CHS to perform “Big Fish” November 1 – 3
BIG FISH — Cast members from the Colfax High School Drama Club are preparing for the performance of the musical “Big Fish” at the Martin Anderson Gymnasium November 1 to November 3. —photo submitted
By LeAnn R. Ralph
COLFAX — This year’s musical being performed in the Martin Anderson Gymnasium by the Colfax Drama Club at Colfax High School November 1 to 3 is “Big Fish.”
The central theme of “Big Fish” is described as a reconciliation between a father and his son.
The novel “Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions” by Daniel Wallace was published in 1998, and a film adaptation of the story written by John August was produced in 2003.
“Big Fish,” the musical, has music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and is based on John August’s adaptation of the novel.
“Big Fish” is the story of a son who is trying to decide what is fact and what is fiction in the life of his father, who likes to tell tall tales.
The musical opened in an out-of-town tryout in Chicago in April of 2013 and opened on Broadway October 6, 2013, and closed on December 29, 2013, after 98 regular performances.
The story focuses on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman, and his adult son Will, and Edward’s tales of meeting a witch, a giant, a mermaid and the love of his life, Sandra.
“This year, we have 36 cast members in the show, along with approximately 10 students in the stage and tech crew,” said Derek Westholm, who teaches music in the Colfax school district and is the director for the school musicals.
“The music itself is outstanding. All of the songs are catchy and filled with emotional lyrics and melodies,” he said.
“Even more-so, the student’s acting performances, in particular from our leads, is truly exceptional, and I am so proud of their tireless effort. I know you will be deeply moved by their portrayal of these relatable and endearing characters,” Westholm said.
Theo Hovde, who plays Will Bloom, and Audrey Ebert, who plays Sandra Bloom, were interviewed on WEAU TV October 24.
Sandra Bloom, who is Will’s mother and Edward’s wife, does not know how to get the two to connect, and she is at a loss because she loves them both, Ebert said.
There are some colorful characters, like the Giant, the Witch and the Werewolf, Hovde and Ebert noted.
“The music so amazing,” Ebert said, adding that the music creates another level of emotion to enhance the story.
General admission to “Big Fish” is $5. Children under five years old are free.
Performances will take place in the Martin Anderson Gymnasium Friday, November 1, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 2 at 1 p.m. and at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 3, at 2 p.m.