Imagination can be a powerful thing, characterizing individuals and determining how we view the world. The mystery of the imagination creates conflict between father and son in the upcoming Perrysburg Musical Theatre production of Big Fish.
Family conflicts
Big Fish follows the life of Will, a soon-to-be dad who has always had a very different outlook on life than his own father, Edward. On a journey to better understand him, Will tries to comprehend Edward’s wild imagination and the tales he tells. Edward’s exquisite stories, which include a witch, a circus, and a field of daffodils, are interwoven with the present day scenario through lighting, backdrops and costumes. It is clear from the outset that Edward’s colorful imagination contrasts with Will’s strictly black and white view of the world— creating conflict between the two men.
Based on Tim Burton’s 2003 film Big Fish, the musical features minor differences. Elizabeth Cottle, who stars in the musical production as Edward’s wife, Sandra, explains, “The musical condenses a lot of the stories into a single song.”
D. Ward Ensign, who plays the role of Edward, adds, “There are subtle differences to make this story move a little quicker [than the film version].”
The magic of music
A relatively young musical, Big Fish debuted on Broadway in 2013, bringing it to the area for the first time, PMT is excited to share a variety of musical styles, from tap numbers and ballads to some country western twang.
“We started as a board looking at shows a year in advance. I always loved the movie, and once I listened to the music… I was sold,” says Julie Bermudez, PMT artistic director and board member.
As the story includes many flashbacks from Sandra and Edwards’ younger years, representing an age range is one of the greatest challenges for Cottle, “It is important to make sure the elements of maturity are where they should be.”
The scene changes quickly in this production, so there is no chance to use makeup to distinguish the various ages that Ensign and Cottle represent. Cottle stated, “A lot of the age distinction will be accomplished through characterization.”
“[Big Fish] evokes so much emotion from you. It’s a heartfelt story. Not a typical love story between a couple, but one between father and son,” notes Bermudez, it is a production not to be missed.
Thursday, June 23-Sunday, June 26 | 7pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday.
$12/advance | $15/at the door | Reserve tickets online or at the
Perrysburg Box Office from 6:30-8pm June 13 & 14, 20 & 21.
Performance takes place at Perrysburg High School,
13385 Roachton Rd. | Perrysburg | perrysburgmusicaltheatre.org
