Review: BIG FISH SMALL CAST EDITION at Lykke Theatre

Lykke Theatre’s production of Big Fish has big heart. It’s the show kicking off the Saint Joseph theatre company’s second season, which also marks their second show performed at Milk & Honey Ciders’ outdoor amphitheater.

Written by John August with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, Big Fish the musical follows the life of Edward Bloom, played by Nathan Kleppe, a traveling salesman whose larger-than-life stories captivate everyone around him, including his wife, Sandra, played by Celena Hansen. But their son, Will, played by Ryan Heydman, is about to become a father himself and is determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s epic tales.

Kleppe brings such energy and warmth to the role of Edward Bloom. His and Hansen’s chemistry is palpable as husband and wife, and it’s heartwarming to see the two talents return to the stage within the same dynamic; the duo last performed as the Baker and Baker’s Wife in GREAT Theatre’s production of Into the Woods in Sept. 2024.

Hansen matches Kleppe’s energy with a sense of power and great comedic timing to his own. Heydman, who plays the duo’s grown-up son, is lovely as Will. He and Ashley Raymond, who plays Will’s wife Josephine, are darling together.

Other performance standouts include Luke Middendorf as Zacky Price, Josh Cash as Don Price, David Bicha as Amos Calloway, Brandon Weatherz as Karl, and Katie Bruender as Jenny Hill. All in all, the casting is fabulous.

Due to the venue of Milk & Honey Ciders’ outdoor pavilion in Saint Joseph, Minn., the stage does not allow the cast, crew, or set/props wings. The production relies on minimal staging, costuming, and set design. There’s an authenticity to it.

Director Kelli Killmer and Asst. Director Megan Seamans seem to lean into the exposed wood of the outdoor pavilion’s stage and transform it into an attic. There are shelves and trunks, which include the cast’s costumes and props for certain scenes.

It feels like play, like Edward Bloom is telling the stories to Will in real time with what they have at home. There’s a sense of imagination. Even Karl walks in with flipped buckets on his feet to appear as a giant.

It’s a beautiful production at a beautiful venue. You’re outside and, if not wanting to sit in the provided chairs, can sit in the grass on a blanket or camp chair of your own. The story progresses as the sun sets and into Act 2, the moon and the stars come out with sounds of cicadas humming in the background.

It's the best way to see this story.

Lykke Theatre’s production of Big Fish plays its final three shows Aug. 26-28 at Milk & Honey Ciders in Saint Joseph.

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