Big Fish marks Riverwalk Theatre’s post-Covid return to the big musical with a real extravaganza. It’s a touching and fantastical story that started out as a book by Daniel Wallace, was transformed into a strange but intriguing movie by John August — and then August collaborated with Andrew Lippa adding music and lyrics to expand it into a big stage musical. I’m thinking I might want to read the original novel — because the realms of imagination and personal quest for connection between father and son might meld more seamlessly there.
Director Dale Wayne Williams is a brave man for tackling this adventure. We can see from his thoughtful director’s note that he appreciates the theme of connection and continuity between fathers and sons — but the stage version is challenging. As with many shows converted from movies, there are a LOT of scenes, and the logistics and set pieces (Set design Katie Mueller) were impressive but distracting. (Loved the dancing elephant butts - Adam Carlson) Kudos to A.D. Stage Manager Ayden Soupal, Asst. Stage Manager Norah Logan and, I’m sure, dozens more movers and shakers and traffic cops backstage.
And dressers! The cast of 24 seemed to have about 24 costumes each! (Costumer Amanda Macomber.) This wild and wonderful wardrobe ranged from mermaid to giant to swamp witch and beyond. All this set/costume hoopla along with the many imaginative dance numbers (Amanda Tollstam) were entertaining — but sometimes felt like too much frosting on the cake of the personal story.
Brian Farnham as Will Bloom, newly married son of tall-tale-telling father Edward Bloom (Kameron Going) drew a firm string of sincerity through all the distractions, with a beautiful voice, to boot. His skepticism and struggle to find truth and connection in the fabrications, and eventually learn the value of Big Stories, was clear. Father Edward had the extra challenge of flipping back and forth in age from dying elder to adventuring youth. I wanted him to feel older than Brian, but with back and forth time-travel the script requires, either extreme in age would be troublesome. Mother Sandra Bloom (Emily Stokes) had a lovely voice and her farewell song to her husband was moving.
Welcome Zach Everly, music director new to Riverwalk. He and his orchestra (unlisted in program) did a good job, and maintained the mood during the scene changes.
Big Fish continues at Riverwalk through August 28. Masks required for audience. Note that Thursday shows sell only half the seats and spread the audience out for social distancing. And the concession stand is baaaack!
Tickets at https://www.riverwalktheatre.com/box-office.html or call 517-482-5700 for reservations. Tickets also available at the door while they last.
Director Dale Wayne Williams is a brave man for tackling this adventure. We can see from his thoughtful director’s note that he appreciates the theme of connection and continuity between fathers and sons — but the stage version is challenging. As with many shows converted from movies, there are a LOT of scenes, and the logistics and set pieces (Set design Katie Mueller) were impressive but distracting. (Loved the dancing elephant butts - Adam Carlson) Kudos to A.D. Stage Manager Ayden Soupal, Asst. Stage Manager Norah Logan and, I’m sure, dozens more movers and shakers and traffic cops backstage.
And dressers! The cast of 24 seemed to have about 24 costumes each! (Costumer Amanda Macomber.) This wild and wonderful wardrobe ranged from mermaid to giant to swamp witch and beyond. All this set/costume hoopla along with the many imaginative dance numbers (Amanda Tollstam) were entertaining — but sometimes felt like too much frosting on the cake of the personal story.
Brian Farnham as Will Bloom, newly married son of tall-tale-telling father Edward Bloom (Kameron Going) drew a firm string of sincerity through all the distractions, with a beautiful voice, to boot. His skepticism and struggle to find truth and connection in the fabrications, and eventually learn the value of Big Stories, was clear. Father Edward had the extra challenge of flipping back and forth in age from dying elder to adventuring youth. I wanted him to feel older than Brian, but with back and forth time-travel the script requires, either extreme in age would be troublesome. Mother Sandra Bloom (Emily Stokes) had a lovely voice and her farewell song to her husband was moving.
Welcome Zach Everly, music director new to Riverwalk. He and his orchestra (unlisted in program) did a good job, and maintained the mood during the scene changes.
Big Fish continues at Riverwalk through August 28. Masks required for audience. Note that Thursday shows sell only half the seats and spread the audience out for social distancing. And the concession stand is baaaack!
Tickets at https://www.riverwalktheatre.com/box-office.html or call 517-482-5700 for reservations. Tickets also available at the door while they last.
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