Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

VODE: Get A First Look At Marriott Theatre's With BIG FISH, The Musical

BIG FISH is the extraordinary story that reminds us why we love going to the theater – for an experience that's richer, funnier and bigger than life itself!

The Marriott Theatre's 2023 season launches with the family-friendly musical adventure, BIG FISH, now on stage through March 19, 2023. Get a first look at the production.

With a book by John August and music and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Andrew Lippa, BIG FISH is based on the film screenplay by August and the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace. The production is directed by Henry Godinez and choreographed by Jeff Award winner Tommy Rapley, with musical direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson.

Twisting together two timelines, BIG FISH tells the story of charming traveling salesman Edward Bloom, who lives life to its fullest (and then some!), and his relationship with his adult son Will. In present-day Alabama, sixty-year-old Edward faces his final chapter while Will gets ready to face fatherhood himself. Returning to his teenage past, Edward spins larger-than-life stories of fairy-tale encounters with a Witch, a Giant, a Mermaid, and the love of his life, Sandra. Determined to find the truth behind Edward's tall tales, Will embarks on a journey of his own to uncover the secret his father's stories are hiding. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is the extraordinary story that reminds us why we love going to the theater - for an experience that's richer, funnier and bigger than life itself!

BIG FISH stars Broadway sensation Alexander Gemignani (Marriott Theatre debut! Broadway: West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Carousel, Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd, Chicago) as "Edward Bloom," Heidi Kettenring (Over 25 shows at Marriott Theatre; Nessa in Broadway in Chicago's Wicked; National Tour: Disney's Beauty and the Beast) as "Sandra Bloom," and Michael Kurowski (Marriott Theatre: Grease; Paramount Theater: Newsies; Theater at the Center: Million Dollar Quartet) as their son "Will"; with William Daly and Archer Geye alternating performances as "Young Will/Will's Son," ensemble members Lydia Burke, Brandon Dahlquist, Lucy Godinez, Christopher Kale Jones, Emma Rosenthal, Allison Sill, Ayana Strutz, and Jonah D. Winston, and understudies Emily Ann Brooks, Andres Enriquez, Andrew Greiche, Sam Alan Johnson, Darryl D'Angelo Jones, and Jenny McPherson.

The artistic team bringing BIG FISH to enchanted life includes set designer Collette Pollard, costume designer Amanda Vander Byl, lighting designer Jesse Klug, sound designer Michael Daly, props designer Sally Zack, illusion consultant Benjamin Barnes, artistic associate Felicia P. Fields, stage manager Jessica Banaszak, assistant stage manager Richard Strimer, intimacy and fight choreographer Charlie Baker, dialect coach Eva Breneman, assistant director Lorenzo Rush, Jr. and associate director Tommy Rapley.

BIG FISH performances are Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Mr. Gemignani will not appear in performances March 4 and 5. Single ticket prices range from $59 to $64, excluding tax and handling fees. SUBSCRIPTIONS for the 2023 are now available. Call for student, senior, and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of dinner-theatre packages available for purchase through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Reservations strongly recommended. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to Tickets.MarriottTheatre.com. Visit MarriottTheatre.com for more information.






Cast and Creative Team Set for AIRNESS at Citadel Theatre Photo
Citadel Theatre will conclude its season with AIRNESS, a comedy set in the world of air guitar competitions, written by Chelsea Marcantel, a 2021 winner of the Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theatre.

NRDC Partners with Art at a Time Like This at EXPO CHICAGO to Highlight the Power of Women Photo
For the 10th anniversary of EXPO CHICAGO, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) has partnered with Art at a Time Like This (ATLT) to create HOW ON EARTH, a climate-focused exhibit from acclaimed artists Janet Biggs, Lily Kwong, Helina Metaferia and Jennifer Wen Ma.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre Presents RAGTIME in May Photo
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents the acutely renowned musical inspired by a novel of the same name, Ragtime.

Lookingglass Theatre Company Announces Registration Is Now Open for 2023 Summer Camp Photo
The Department of Curiosity at Lookingglass Theatre Company invites high school students to participate in a one-of-a-kind experience this summer in the historic Water Tower Water Works on Michigan Avenue. 


More Hot Stories For You


VIDEO: First Look At San Diego Opera's TOSCAVIDEO: First Look At San Diego Opera's TOSCA
March 29, 2023

Get a first look at San Diego Opera's production of Tosca! Tosca is Giacomo Puccini’s gripping drama filled with torture, treachery, lust, execution and suicide.

VIDEO: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis on SHowMe St. LouisVIDEO: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis on SHowMe St. Louis
March 29, 2023

Watch cast members Janie Brookshire and Joel Moses recently chatted with KSDK to talk about MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.

VIDEO: Susan Graham On How She Got Her StartVIDEO: Susan Graham On How She Got Her Start
March 29, 2023

Legendary mezzo-soprano and LAO Young Artist Artist Director Susan Graham is back on the DCP stage in her role debut as Geneviève in 'Pelléas and Mélisande.' We sat down with her to ask about her inspiring start in opera, her role as a mentor, and the advice she has for the up-and-coming generation of singers.

VIDEO: First Look At SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL at Lawrenceville Arts CenterVIDEO: First Look At SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL at Lawrenceville Arts Center
March 27, 2023

The Queen of Disco and her crew have taken to the stage and are wowing audiences from all over. Check out this highlight reel of what you can expect from this high energy spectacle. But remember, seeing is believing, grab your tickets and see SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical LIVE and in person!

VIDEO: New TV Spot for Terence Blanchard's CHAMPION at the Metropolitan Opera in AprilVIDEO: New TV Spot for Terence Blanchard's CHAMPION at the Metropolitan Opera in April
March 27, 2023

Terence Blanchard's opera Champion, based on the true story of the troubled former middleweight boxing champion Emile Griffith, will have its highly anticipated Metropolitan Opera premiere on April 10, with nine performances running through May 13.