Words can not describe the emotional triumph that is Big Fish the Musical. Based on the 1998 Novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton film both of the same name, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman, adoring husband, distant father, and imaginative story teller.
The musical revolves around Edward Bloom’s life and more
specifically his relationship with his son, Will, and his wife, Sandra. Big Fish was directed and choreographed
by the legendary Susan Stroman, it features beautiful music and lyrics by
Andrew Lippa and a brilliant book by Jon August. The star-studded cast features
leading actors such as two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz as Edward Bloom, Tony
nominee Kate Baldwin as Sandra Bloom, and Bobby Steggert as Will Bloom. The
cast also features Krystal Joy Brown, Brad Oscar, and Ryan Andes.
I went into this show with very few expectations. I make a
point to never read reviews before I see a show because I like to form my own
opinions on each production. I knew the story line from the 2003 movie but
other than that I had no idea what to assume. As soon as the curtain rose my
energy level went way up. The excitement of the first number immediately grabs
the audience and they realize that they are in for a wild, beautiful, and truly
inspiring ride.
One of the many things that sets this show apart from other
musicals is that the story shifts back and forth between multiple timelines.
One being present-day, where Edward Bloom (in his late 50s) faces death and
wants to preserve his legacy by connecting with his now grown son who is
expecting a child of his own. The two have never seen eye to eye. Edward is a
dreamer with an imagination that carries the show through a series of twists
and turns. His son, Will, is just the opposite. He has a more realistic outlook
on life and feels that his father’s tall tales have been a wall for him to hide
behind rather than face life head on. Loving mother and wife, Sandra, feels
trapped between the two and sings the beautiful song, “Two Men in My Life” to
express her love and adoration for her husband and only son. The show also
briefly shows Sandra and Edward as young parents raising their 10 year old son.
Young Will seems more entertained by his father’s stories but is starting to
question the lack of reasoning behind each story. The other timeline shows
Edward and Sandra as teenagers who see each other at a circus (“Time Stops”).
When time finally catches up Sandra has left and Edward continues at the
circus, working for the ringmaster Amos, his only pay being information about
Sandra Templeton. After three years, he finally learns who Sandra is and takes
a cannonball ride to Auburn University. He confesses his love for her and in a
field of daffodils that suddenly fills the stage they share in a passionate
kiss and promise each other a lifetime together. (“Daffodils”)
The way the show shifts between these many different
timelines and challenging life stages proves just how complex and magical this
show is. Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin certainly had the most difficult
jobs of any actor on Broadway having to take their characters from 16 to 30 to
50 years old in a matter of scenes.
My favorite two scenes both included leading lady Kate
Baldwin and Norbert Leo Butz. The first being at the end of Act I when Edward
has journeyed to Auburn University to proclaim his love for Sandra. The way the
stage transforms around their love song, “Daffodils” is nothing short of magic.
The other scene I loved was close to the end of Act II when Edward is tying to
prepare Sandra for when he is no longer around. Edward is weak so she carries
him center stage and they both collapse in each other’s embrace. Sandra
continues to serenade him with what I consider to be the most beautiful song
ever sung by anyone, “I Don’t Need a Roof.” This song alone should have earned
Kate Baldwin a Tony nomination. I consider this scene to be one of the most
stunning and inspiring scenes ever presented on a Broadway stage.
Big Fish had its
“try-out” period in Chicago in the Spring of 2013 before it moved to the Neil
Simon Theatre on West 52nd Street. The show started its Broadway
previews on September 5th, 2013 and officially opened on October 6th,
2013. Unfortunately, this amazing musical closed on December 29th,
2013 after 34 previews and 98 performances. I have talked to so many people,
many who saw the musical multiple times, who had only positive things to say
about this beautiful show. I was fortunate enough to see it twice and both
times I was equally entertained by
the actors, overcome with laughter, and even brought to tears. This is a show
that inspires lovers and dreamers alike and it broke many hearts when it closed
so early. I consider Big Fish to be the best musical that I have ever seen on
Broadway! It exemplifies what Broadway should be… a magical and inspiring
journey.
(from top left: Big Fish Cast Album, Kate Baldwin, my friends, Norbert Leo Butz, my friends, marquee, stage pre-show, Kate Baldwin ad, Neil Simon Theatre, my friend Daniel and I before seeing it for the first time!)
