Review Roundup: Critics Weigh In On BIG FISH at Kennedy Theatre

Based on the book by North Carolina's own Daniel Wallace and the hit movie - Big Fish tells the story of a father with incredible, larger-than-life stories and his son who is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.

Don't miss this heartfelt, powerful, and truly magical musical about fathers, sons, and the stories that we use to define our identities. With spine-tinglingly, beautiful music and lyrics and a funny, heartwarming dialog, Big Fish is a magnificent "big fish" of a tale, itself -- spectacular, fantastical, and overflowing with love. Playing at Kennedy Theatre July 11 - 22.

All shows are at the Kennedy Theatre in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are on-sale and can be purchased at http://www.theatreraleigh.com.

Big Fish tells the larger-than-life tale of Edward Bloom (Timothy Gulan), a man who leads an extraordinary life-according to the stories he tells his son, Will (Chris Dwan). But Will, who is getting married to Josephine (Mili Diaz) and expecting a child of his own, doesn't think there's any truth to the extravagant tales his father tells about meeting witches (Chanda Branch), kissing mermaids (Lydia Tart) or joining the circus. He doesn't even believe the story of how his father proposed to his mother, Sandra (Lauren Kennedy), in a field full of daffodils. When Edward's health begins to decline, Will visits his father and tries one last time to find out the truth behind the tall tales. As Edward and Will's relationship becomes increasingly strained, Will must decide whether to accept his father's wild stories as fact or risk losing him completely.

Let's see what the critics have to say!

Roy C. Dicks, News Observer: Timothy Gulan's Edward runs the gamut from garrulous and dominating to loving and tender, an engagingly flawed character. Chris Dwan's Will is sympathetically frustrated and confused, moving in his ultimate understanding of his father's love. Lauren Kennedy makes an extremely sympathetic Sandra, Edward's wife. All three have strong voices that shine, despite Andrew Lippa's uninspired songs, while they make the most of John August's pithy, witty dialog.

Melanie Simmons, Triangle A&E: Under the musical direction of Ethan Anderson, the songs were spot-on key and carried well in the space. The intricate choreography of Abbey O'Brien greatly enhanced the performance, letting the story dance around as needed and keeping the energy high. And costume designer Meg Powers (with wigs by Elizabeth Printz) designed a wonderful wardrobe that helped main and supporting characters alike transform through time, space, and imagination.

Byron Woods, Indy Week: The production abounds with vivid supporting work. Areon Mobasher's enigmatic ringmaster, Amos; Paul Hinkes's larger-than-life take on Karl the Giant; and Chanda Branch's demanding Witch buttress more familial roles: Lauren Kennedy as Edward's wife, Sandra; Shanelle Nicole Leonard as onetime girlfriend Jenny Hill; and Keegan Story's scene-stealing Young Will. Imaginative staging and sentiment make this semi-Southern musical one from the heart. Recommended.

Lauren Van Hemert, BroadwayWorld: Gulan's charismatic Bloom exudes a boyish charm and energy that makes it easy to buy the bill of goods he is selling. Lauren Kennedy's winsome performance as Bloom's wife Sandra is enchanting and heartfelt and reminds us that beyond her role as Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh, she is a Broadway star in her own right. Dwan, as Will, holds his own against the veteran leads and sings with a clarity that resonates throughout The Kennedy Theatre. And the strong supporting ensemble cast sing and stomp their way through Andrew Lippa's perky score and Abbey O'Brien's choreography with an eagerness that is infectious.

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