Review: BIG FISH – THE MUSICAL Tells A Small Story In A Big Way

Reviewed by Joanne Hartstone, Saturday 11th June 2016

The Therry Dramatic Society is presenting Big Fish - The Musical, based on the novel by Daniel Wallace, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, with a book by John August and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. It also draws on the 2003 film, Big Fish, written by August and directed by Tim Burton. It runs at the Arts Theatre until Saturday 18th June.

"Understand the stories, understand the man..." Big Fish - The Musical weaves together the tall tales and adventures of Edward Bloom (played by Andrew Crispe), a travelling salesman from Alabama, to tell a story of a life that is greater than the sum of its parts. Edward's son, Will (Lindsay Prodea), has never believed the accounts that his father has told him about his past, and has grown to resent the fantastical lies his father delighted in sharing but, as Will learns of his father's illness, he is compelled to discover the truth and, in doing so, understands the man behind the myths.

Big Fish - The Musical is a surreal exploration of love, death, friendship and mythology, and Therry's production is a credit to the tight cast and crew that have brought it to the stage, as well as Director Amanda Rowe and Musical Director Mark DeLaine. The vivid colours of the set and costumes enhance the highly detailed work of the ensemble, and whilst some of the musical numbers may be a touch lacklustre in their execution, there is no doubt that this production will entertain and ignite the imagination.

Andrew Crispe is excellent as Edward Bloom. He performs with a relaxed charisma and an effortlessly articulate singing voice. Crispe is perfectly matched with Rebecca Raymond, who plays his wife, Sandra Bloom. Raymond is strong and alluring, and the pair spark with chemistry and confidence. Lindsay Prodea, as Will, does an admirable job in matching the singing talents of his co-stars, however his vocals are occasionally pushed too far. A special mention must be made of Oscar Bridges, who plays a younger Will. Bridges is energetic, a very strong singer and dancer, and obviously enjoys performing very much. This young man has talent beyond his years and will be one to watch in the future.

Andy Ooyendyk's stage design is beautiful and flexible and is enhanced by Jason Groves's lighting design in order to create Bloom's colourful and dream-like world. Kerry Hauber's choreography is effective, and is particularly interesting during the moments of slow motion, the occasional fight choreography, however, is less impressive.

The music of Big Fish - The Musical is not memorable; indeed there is no "ear-worm" at all in the score. This does not detract, however, from the production. The blend between spoken word and song is balanced, and the music adds to the surreal and emotive performances of the cast. The orchestra, expertly led by Mark DeLaine, is outstanding.

Big Fish - The Musical is a magical journey of epic proportions (it has a mermaid, a giant, a flood, a circus, and a witch!) but it is also a simple story of an every-man, giving his life meaning, and inspiring his son to lead a life even greater than his own. Where truth ends and myth begins is blurred in the telling, but that is the point, to be bigger than life's limitations. And surely that is exactly what a visit to the theatre is for.

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