Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre’s production of Big Fish is a colorful, fantastical testament to the power of stories. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Tim Burton–directed movie, it follows a young man as he tries to learn about his father, who tells amazing, hard-to-believe tales about his life. With its book by John August and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, this production is directed by Leigh K. Rawls, with Paige Rammelkamp as music director and conductor and Billy Luzier and Elda Trombley as choreographers. It is a lovely show to end the company’s 58th season.
Josh Mooney dominates the stage as Edward, enthusiastically telling stories about his life and charming many of those around him. In “Be the Hero,” he sings excitedly of going out and having adventures, while in “Fight the Dragons” he sings tenderly of hoping to pass his love of the road down to his son. In “Out There on the Road” and “Start Over,” he persuades people to make big changes. In “Showdown,” he passionately refuses to reveal a secret he has kept while despairing that he might be “the bad guy.” He sings tenderly to his wife in “Daffodils.”
Alyssa Wellman Houde gives a strength to Sandra, Edward’s wife. In “Two Men in My Life,” she sings of her love for her husband and son, and her attempts to keep them together. The heartbreaking, weepy “I Don’t Need a Roof” has her holding close to Mooney, showing her deep love. She can also be vivacious, as in “Little Lamb from Alabama,” where with the Alabama Lambs (Kirsti Bennett and Sydne Lyons) she does a flirty, vaudeville-style song. “Red, White and True” has her performing a patriotic tap dance.
Matthew Rigby as Edward’s son Will gives a nice contrast to Mooney. A self-described “realist,” he begs his father at an important moment not to make a speech or tell stories. At another big life moment, in “Stranger” he sings tenderly of its joy, as well as the possibility of getting closer to his father. In “Showdown,” he angrily confronts his father over what he’s discovered, hoping for confirmation. “What’s Next” has him energetically continuing his father’s story, helping him at a painful moment. Joel Wojciehowski brings a skepticism to Young Will, asking after one of Edward’s stories, “What the hell was that?”
The Ensemble play multiple roles, from the Witch’s assistants to USO performers, as well as individual characters. Mary Zajic brings a deep love to Josephine, Will’s wife, seeing the emotional truth of Edward’s fantastic tales. Davis Wootton-Klebanoff plays circus owner Calloway as a charmingly cynical huckster, slyly cutting down auditioning performers. In “Closer to Her,” he drops hints about Sandra to Edward, all the while scoffing at love. Emily L. Sergo brings a power to the Witch. In “I Know What You Want,” she sings of Edward’s greatest desire. Jeremy Limansky brings an anger to Don, Edward’s town rival, reacting to bad news with violence. Connor Bland gives great comic timing to Karl the Giant, coming off intimidating at first but revealing a humorous side. Kaitlin Fish gives a captivating mystery to the silent Mermaid. Scott Benedict brings a quiet strength to Dr. Bennett. Ellen Quay helps reveal another side to Edward as Jenny Hill singing in “Ashton’s Favorite Son” of his greatness while giving a poignant moment in “Start Over.” Kirsti Bennett, Samantha Curbelo, Reagan Davey, Danielle Kellner, Sydne Lyons, Jayden Maduro, Colleen Prior, and Nicole Ricucci complete the Ensemble.
Set designer Daniel Snyder creates a versatile stage for all the many stories, with two gray stairs in the center that can stand for, among others, a town center, a wedding banquet, and a riverbank. Stage left is a bedroom with a small bed for a child or a hospital bed. The musicians are under a covered porch on stage right. Costume designer Linda Ridge keeps all the characters recognizable in distinguished outfits. Karl the Giant begins in tattered black robes, later changing to a red marching-band–type outfit. The Witch is in a black, frilly dress, while her ensemble wears dramatically pointed black wings. Calloway wears a colorful ringmaster’s uniform.
Lighting designer Eric Hufford highlights the show’s different emotions with lighting effects. For the Witch’s appearance, a green light flashes on the stage. During tender moments, the lights dim, spotlights shining on the singers. Sound designer Dan Caughran throws out sound effects like rain falling.
Music director and conductor Paige Rammelkamp leads musicians Trent Goldsmith, Mari Hill, Allyson Wesley, Joseph Reid, Noah Nicholson, Bob Ryan, Carter Grimes, Jefferson Hirshman, Reid Bowman, and William Georg in the music, while never overwhelming the singers. Choreographers Billy Luzier and Elda Trombley create a nice variety of dances, with lots of tap, jazz, spins, and twirls. Director Leigh K. Rawls keeps the energy high, with the performers hitting all the right comic and emotional moments and singing with great power. This production is a bit longer than most ASGT shows, so be prepared to stay after 11 pm. Big Fish closes the season and the summer in a fun way.
Running Time: Two hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Big Fish plays through September 1, 2024, at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($30), e-mail the box office at boxoffice@summergarden.com or purchase online.
Big Fish
Book by John August
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Directed by Leigh K. Rawls
Music Direction by Paige Austin Rammelkamp
Dance Choreography by Billy Luzier & Elda Trombley
Production Manager/Producer – Beth Rendely
Stage Manager – Cory Holthaus
Asst. Stage Manager – Stephanie Leuschner
CAST
Josh Mooney as Edward Bloom
Matthew Rigby as Will Bloom
Alyssa Houde as Sandra Bloom
Nico Cabrera as Young Will (Aug. 8, 11, 16, 18, 22, 24, 31, Sept. 1)
Joel Wojciehowski as Young Will (Aug. 9, 10, 15, 17, 23, 25, 29, 30)
Ellen Quay as Jenny Hill
Davis Wootton-Klebanoff as Amos Calloway
Connor Bland as Karl the Giant
Taylor Hinds as Josephine
Emily L. Sergo as The Witch
Kaitlin Fish as The Mermaid & Ensemble (U/S: Jenny Hill
Scott Benedict as Doctor Bennett, The Mayor, & Ensemble
Jeremy Limansky as Don Price & Ensemble (Will Bloom, Aug. 16th)
Billy Luzier (Don Bloom, Aug. 16th & Zacky Price, Aug. 25th)
Jayden Maduro as Zacky Price, Red Fang, & Ensemble (Karl The Giant, Aug. 25th)
Sydne Lyons as Alabama Lamb & Ensemble (Sandra Bloom, Aug. 22)
Kirsti Bennett as Alabama Lamb & Ensemble (The Witch, Aug. 16th)
Mary Zajic (Ensemble, Josephine-Aug. 31st)
Reagan Davey (Ensemble & Featured dancer: Alabama Lamb-Aug. 18th & 22nd)
Colleen Prior (Ensemble, Dance Captain)
Danielle Kellner (Ensemble)
Nicole Ricucci (Ensemble)
Samantha Curbelo (Ensemble)
D.j. Wojciehowski (Amos Calloway – Aug. 23rd to Aug 25th)
