PCS Theater Will Present BIG FISH on Main Stage at Players Club of Swarthmore

PCS Theater will present Big Fish, the beloved Broadway musical based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton. Performances run May 29 through June 13, 2026, on the main stage at Players Club of Swarthmore.

Directed by Kayla Bowe, choreographed by Emily Engle, and featuring music direction and conducting by Jeff Smith, Big Fish brings Andrew Lippa and John August's magical musical to life with unforgettable songs, heartfelt storytelling, and dazzling theatricality.

With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August, Big Fish follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose extraordinary tales and larger-than-life adventures captivate everyone around him—especially his loving wife, Sandra. But as Edward's son Will prepares to become a father himself, he sets out to uncover the truth behind the stories that have defined his father's life.

Overflowing with humor, imagination, and emotional depth, Big Fish is a celebration of family, legacy, and the power of storytelling. The production reminds audiences why live theatre continues to inspire us with experiences that are richer, funnier, and bigger than life itself.

Director Kayla Bowe describes the production as deeply personal and timely: “Big Fish has been a dream project of mine for a long time. There is something so special about a musical that invites us to laugh, to imagine, and to feel deeply, all at once. I have always believed that musicals have that unique power: they can be joyful and entertaining while still carrying messages that stay with us. This show is a perfect example of that balance.

At its heart, Big Fish reminds us that life is messy, complicated, and full of unknowns. The truth is, this is all our first time on Earth. No one has it all figured out, not even the people we look to for answers. We are all bound to make mistakes, even when we are the ones who feel like we are supposed to ‘know better.' And yet, there is beauty in that. There is growth, forgiveness, and love in the stories we tell and the lives we live.” Bringing Edward Bloom's larger-than-life world to the stage is a dynamic cast led by John B. Hedges as Edward Bloom and Gavin Wycuff as Young Edward Bloom, alongside Lauren Champlin-Moadeli as Sandra Bloom and Lexi Livanos as Young Sandra Templeton.

Richie Izzo and Daniel Gorman share the role of Will Bloom, with Quintin Leaf and Harrison Simon alternating as Young Will Bloom, and Madison Claus as Josephine Bloom. Featured performances include Jeffrey Barg as Karl, Casey Lynch as Amos, Kristin Hegel as the Witch, Jenny Ammon as Jenny Hill, and Josie Gold as Young Jenny Hill. John Millison takes on the roles of Don Price and Red Fang, while Jacob Fizzano appears as Zacky Price and the Fisherman. John Casertano portrays Doctor Bennett, the Judge, the Ashton Mayor, and General Patterson. The production's ensemble also features Katie Young and Tess Coary as Alabama Lambs, Alyssa Nichter as the Mermaid, and ensemble members Gillian Booth, Violet Cheng, Keith Hall, Savannah Mitchell, Hunter Pugh, Bailey Rifkin, Kevin Shaffer, and Amanda Strydio, whose performances help bring the magical world of Big Fish vividly to life.

The production runs approximately 2.5 hours.

Content advisory: Big Fish contains themes of illness and death, parental estrangement, fantasy versus reality, and emotional moments of loss, though the production is ultimately uplifting and family-friendly.

Big Fish is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

A limited number of $10 Pay-What-You-Can tickets will be available for each performance. These tickets are cash only and offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office beginning one hour before curtain. PCS is a proud partner with ArtsReach ACCESS program.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lead Performer in a Play - Top 3

1. Daniel Radcliffe - Every Brilliant Thing

29.1% of votes

2. Nathan Lane - Death of a Salesman

12.7% of votes

3. Ayo Edebiri - Proof

6.3% of votes

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