BWW Reviews: BIG FISH at the Aurora Fox

Everything's coming up daffodils at the Aurora Fox-but you'll have to catch Big Fish to really get what I mean.

The musical, based off the 1998 book by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton film of the same name, had a short life on Broadway in 2013, playing just under 100 regular performances. It's currently making its regional premiere at the Fox.

The story follows Edward Bloom (Kevin Schwarz), a vivacious man nearing the end of his life. His son, Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to discover if the tales his father told his whole life were tall or true.

But don't go into this show expecting the Burton film on stage. While I've never read the book, it seems like the stage adaptation is more faithful to that text. What that leaves is less spectacle moments and more room for the characters' relationships to blossom.

Speaking of blossom, the show isn't totally void of visual mastery, thanks to scenic designer Charles Packard (also the Fox's executive producer). You've never seen the Fox stage like it is when the first act ends, and that's a feat of theatricality you just need to experience firsthand. A river at the foot of the stage allows for some great moments, and there's also a really awesome cannon.

At the heart of this show is actually a simplistic father-son tale partnered with the love story that started it, poetically directed by John Ashton. A plethora of flashback moments relive Edward's life (as his son knew it, at least), filled with heroic encounter with witches, giants and mermaids. But unlike the film, Edward is played by Schwarz at all ages, definitely making things less confusing for the audience.

Schwarz gives Edward a big heart. He transitions between ages flawlessly, and his stories are told with such a vivacious enthusiasm, you have no choice but to believe the fables.

His auburn-haired wife, Sandra (Megan Van De Hey) complements him affectionately. In one scene, she's a loving mother, while in another she's a young girl leaping into love. Her trio number "Little Lamb from Alabama" is adorable, flowing into a beautifully slo-mo ballad of Edward falling in love.

Matt Summers plays their son Will with conviction, keeping the story grounded in the true-life moments. A boisterous assorted ensemble rounds out the rest of the show.

Choreography by Piper Lindsay Arpan is a treat. The witch's song is enchantingly dark and whimsical, while "Red, White and True" has a classic theatrical pulse. A dazzling moment is Rae Leigh Case as the Fire Dancer, although the number seems to only be there to fill time.

The end is expected, of course, but I don't recall tearing up quite as much at the end of the movie.

Big Fish plays the Aurora Fox Arts Center (9900 E. Colfax Ave.) now through March 22. Tickets are available at aurorafox.org or by calling (303)739-1970.

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