Cherokee County Arts continues its 2023-2034 season with the delightful hit musical, Big Fish. Adapted from the acclaimed 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish musically celebrates the extraordinary in everyday life.
Big Fish tells the larger-than-life story of Edward Bloom (portrayed by Dale Clark), a man who leads an extraordinary life—according to the stories he tells his son Will (Alex Chesney). But Will, who is getting married and expecting a child of his own, doesn’t think there’s any truth to his father’s extravagant stories about meeting witches, kissing mermaids or joining the circus. He doesn’t even believe the story of how his father proposed to his mother, Sandra (Michaela West), in a field full of daffodils. When Edward’s health begins to decline, Will visits his father and tries one last time to find out the truth behind the tall tales. The stories Edward tells begin to merge with the stories Edward lives, and Will must decide whether to accept his father’s wild stories as truth or risk losing him forever.
Tim Burton, the director of the 2003 film, said that Big Fish “…is about what is real and what is fantastic, what is real and what is not real, if what is partly true, and how, in the end, it is all true.” Bursting with heart and humor, Big Fish reminds us of the musical why we love going to the theater—for an experience richer, funnier and larger than life itself. John August, who wrote the screenplay for the 2003 film, reprises his role as book writer for the musical. Andrew Lippa, Tony-nominated composer and lyricist for The Addams Family and creator of The Wild Party, wrote the music and lyrics.
JoAnna Derfelt directs the CCAA production which opens Friday, March 8 for a weekend run with shows Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:30. Derfelt’s creative team includes Breana Clark (Music Director), Ashley Qualls Groves and Melissa Nance (Choreographers), and Mary Johnson (Stage Manager.). The cast hails from all over the Four State area and promises to impress you with their excellent presentation of Big Fish.
Details
What: Cherokee County Arts Association presents Big Fish, book by John August, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa
When: March 8-9 at 7:30pm and March 10 at 7:30pm
Where: Christman Performing Arts Center, 702 E 7th, Galena, Kansas 66739
Tickets: Regular admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students. www.cherokeecountyarts.org
