Every family has a storyteller — that parent, uncle, or auntie that tells fantastical tales as real life adventures
My own grandmother told me tales of seeing the devil on the beach in Sicily and how as a little girl she was slapped by a saint. But those are stories for another time. “Big Fish,” the musical now enjoying an enthusiastic run at CNY Playhouse, explores the relationship of a father and son through the wild stories the dad tells. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the widescreen extravaganza directed by Tim Burton, the show works hard to bring magic to the stage.
“Big Fish” leans heavily on the Southern Gothic, with its many flashbacks drawing from the tropes of folktales. Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman tells his son of youthful encounters with a witch, a circus ringmaster, a werewolf, and a giant named Karl. While the young Will loved his father’s stories, Will the adult is embarrassed by his dad’s exaggerations and apparent lies. His father had been a traveling salesman rarely at home, and the stories can’t make up for lost time. When soon after Will’s wedding Edward is dying, the son sets out to unravel the mysteries of his father’s life.
The CNY Playhouse company invests a lot in “Big Fish.” Unfortunately they’re burdened with a script that does too much and too little at the same time. Edward’s perhaps tall tales come to life but zap past at lightning speed as does much of Andrew Lippa’s music. With the exception of the opening “Be a Hero” and “Time Stops” the lovely song when young Edward sees his future wife for the first time, most of the songs are forgettable.
Director Nic MacLane opts for a “Story Theatre” theatrical style which leans heavily on the audience’s imagination. The results are mostly charming, but sometimes inadequate for a story that cries for exaggeration. Burton’s film version of “Big Fish,” from which the musical heavily borrows (both penned by John August) was a nearly psychedelic experience, exploding in color. The show cries for more of the over-the-top style provided by Andrea Calarco’s witty costumes.
The CNY Playhouse cast is appealing. Adam Fumarola works very hard to make Edward Bloom likable. The character can be an obnoxious blowhard. Fumarola has an appropriately big “bull in a china shop” presence and radiates good cheer—even when Edward’s demeanor seems pathological. In the role of the adult Will, Tyler Ianuzi nearly vibrates with anger and betrayal and lends a heartfelt tenor to the sung interior monologue “Stranger.” As Young Will, Jax Glaski turns in a winning and self-assured performance.
As Sandra Bloom, Edward’s long-suffering wife, Ashalee Caggy sings in a crystalline voice. In a role that could be thankless (Sandra never confirms or refutes any of Edward’s stories) she is believable and appealing in every version of the character, from the young girl auditioning for a circus to the older wife aware that her husband is dying. She lights up the stage.
Several supporting players deserve mention. In the underwritten role of Josephine, Will’s wife, Olivia Semsel brings a sweetness that echoes the warmth of Sandra, her new mother-in-law. Declan Hawthorne makes Karl a truly awesome giant. Amos Calloway the circus ringmaster with a secret is played with a wink by Matthew Bruno. Thomas Tong is a lot of fun as the bully Don Price.
“Big Fish” is one of those shows that did not succeed on Broadway, but deserves the attention it’s getting on community and regional stages. The lovingly performed CNY Playhouse production celebrates its strengths while exposing its weaknesses. Still, its sweetness and whimsy make it a good theater choice for holiday family theater-going.
FAQs
1. What is the story of “Big Fish” musical?
The musical follows the relationship between a father and son through the fantastical tales the father tells about his past adventures, exploring themes of love, family, and storytelling.
2. Who are the main characters in the production?
The main characters include Edward Bloom, the father who tells extravagant stories, his son Will who struggles with his father’s tales, Sandra Bloom, the patient wife, and various fantastical characters encountered in Edward’s stories.
3. How is the music in the show described?
The music in “Big Fish” is mostly forgettable, with a few standout songs like “Be a Hero” and “Time Stops.” The score by Andrew Lippa complements the whimsical nature of the story.
4. What is the visual style of the production?
The director opts for a “Story Theatre” style that relies on the audience’s imagination to bring the fantastical elements of the story to life. The show could benefit from more over-the-top visuals to enhance the storytelling.
5. How do the actors portray their characters?
The cast of CNY Playhouse delivers appealing performances, with Adam Fumarola bringing likability to Edward Bloom, Tyler Ianuzi portraying Will’s inner turmoil effectively, and Ashalee Caggy shining as Sandra Bloom.
6. Why is “Big Fish” considered a good choice for family theater-going?
Despite its weaknesses, the sweetness and whimsy of the production make it a suitable option for families looking for a heartwarming and entertaining theatrical experience, especially during the holiday season.
7. What sets the CNY Playhouse production of “Big Fish” apart?
The company’s investment in bringing the magical elements of the story to life and the appealing performances by the cast elevate the production, making it a worthwhile theater experience.
8. How does the musical explore the themes of storytelling and family relationships?
“Big Fish” delves into the power of storytelling to connect generations and the complex dynamics within families, particularly the tension between truth and fiction in the tales we pass down.
9. What is the significance of the Southern Gothic influence in the story?
The Southern Gothic elements add a layer of mystery and folklore to the narrative, enhancing the fantastical nature of Edward’s stories and creating a unique atmosphere for the audience.
10. How does the musical adaptation compare to the original novel and film?
The musical adaptation draws heavily from the novel and film, capturing the essence of the story while adding its own theatrical flair. While it may have its shortcomings, the production celebrates the heart of “Big Fish” and offers a charming experience for audiences.
Conclusion
“Big Fish” at CNY Playhouse is a heartwarming production that explores the power of storytelling and family relationships through a whimsical and fantastical lens. Despite some limitations in the script and music, the cast delivers appealing performances that bring the characters to life. The show’s charm and sweetness make it a delightful choice for families looking for an entertaining theater experience.
Tags
CNY Playhouse, Big Fish Musical, Theater Review, Family Entertainment