Review: BIG FISH at SoLuna

Drama Desk nominated musical Big Fish, now playing its Long Island premier through January 31st at SoLuna Studio, is a delight to see. It is family friendly, has a great cast, and you don't have to pay Broadway prices to see it. Based on Daniel Wallace's 1998 novel and the 2003 film, Andrew Lippa's score and John August's book is a roller coaster of emotions.

The story centers on Edward Bloom and his son Will. Edward has always told these eccentric, larger-than-life stories that have even included Giants and Witches. Will, who is about to be married and an expectant father, has become somewhat of a skeptic. Frankly, it is at the point where Will has asked Edward not to give a toast at the wedding and refrain from telling his stories. We follow as he searches for the reason why his father has been telling these enchanting stories all his life.

Leading the stellar Karen Braun directed cast as Edward and Will are actual father and son duo James and Andrew Murano. James gives a particularly heartfelt rendition of "Be The Hero" at the top of the show and "How It Ends" toward the end of act two. Their "showdown" scene is intense as well. Additionally, Andrew's rendition of "Stranger" and the reprise of "Be The Hero" at the end is heartbreaking. Both gentlemen give wonderfully strong performances.

The entire large company is truly superb. Particularly enjoyable are the flashback and "enchanted" scenes. Everyone is in different costumes (think Into The Woods) and you can tell the entire company is enjoying their time in the show.

In the intimate theatre, stunning projections were heavily used along with, of course, minimal, effective set pieces. Megan Pietroforte Rabba coordinates these in addition to the beautiful lighting and spot on sound design. Ms. Braun is, per usual, a very busy bee in this production. Besides directing, she handles choreography (with SoLuna vet Nick Caron) and costumes; not to mention having a part in the show.

And so, SoLuna's production of Big Fish is certainly a hit. Bring the tissues when you see this as well. A magnificent cast and a stirring story make for a fantastic night of theatre.

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The Long Island premier of Big Fish is presented by SoLuna Studio of Hauppauge, Long Island, through January 31st.

Starring James Murano, Bari Samantha, Andrew Murano, Mary Kate Carter, Jack Digena, Rocco Caminitti, Ciana Miceli, Rob Tsang, Sheila Clare Walsh, Tristan Roberto, Nick Pennisi, Austin Morgan, Randy Rice, Nick Caron, Kylie Lavrenchik, Peyton Ruhl, Rachel Lindsay, Chance Dennis, and Karen Braun

Direction & Choreogprahy & Costumes by Karen Braun, Assistant Choreographer is Nick Caron, Musical Direction by Danny Passadino, Lighting & Sound Design by Megan Pietroforte Rabba

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 761-6602 or visit www.solunastudiony.com.

Photo by SoLuna Studio

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