Playbill of The Week: Big Fish

28/53

One of my all time favourite films is Big Fish. I can watch that movie at any point, whenever, wherever. The visuals, the story, the acting, the costuming. Everything about it is wonderful. So when I heard that Andrew Lippa and John August were turning it into a musical my eyes widened and I got very giddy. The daisies, the giant, the witch. The film is a perfect candidate to be turned into a musical. Whimsical and fantastical. Characters galore that can occupy a huge, talented ensemble and showcase everyone. Beautiful storytelling that can challenge the actors that take on Edward and Will.

Unfortunately for me it didn't quite catch that joyful, thrilling, wonderful feeling that I hoped it would. Don't get me wrong it is a beautiful show, with some stunning songs, costuming and storytelling. But it just didn't hit me like the movie does. But on that note there were still some absolutely wonderful things about the show that I still think about.

First I'll talk about the wonder that is Norbert Leo Butz. He's just so spectacular on the stage, his movements and his voice are just so unique and different. He has a fatherly quality to his voice that kind of hugs you, but you can still hear the young adventurous boy who lurks underneath. He played the role of Edward Bloom with such amazement and magic. It was so wonderful to watch. Fight The Dragons has got to be one of my favourite songs from the show. Norbert truly takes you on a journey when he's singing. There's a beginning, middle and end to everything he does. It's a very familiar feeling watching him perform. You believed his transition from young man to adult, and his storytelling as Edward was spot on. I think Ewan McGregor would be proud.

Now we're gonna move on to the marvel that is Kate Baldwin. She did not get enough in this show. I could watch her perform forever. She's so commanding on stage, so beautiful and generous of an actor. There's a bonus track on the Cast Recording called Magic in The Man which I 100% think should have been included in the show. The emotion that she portrays in the song is so masterfully done, it's not even a ballad and she approaches it with such grace and beauty. In the show Two Men In My Life is a complete standout. Kate could sing anything and you'd swoon, but this song in particular is just gorgeous. How half of the show wasn't just Kate Baldwin singing is beyond me.

My favourite song in the show is The Witch performed by the amazing Ciara Renee. The Witch character is very small in this version of Big Fish, she doesn't get as much of a back story and stage time as she does in the movie. But this song definitely makes up for it. It's got such power and magic in it. And Ciaras voice is absolutely spectacular. She's risen to stardom since doing Big Fish and her performance in this musical is proof as to why. She completely commanded the stage and made you pay attention. This was her Broadway debut and I am so happy I got to witness it. She's going to do big things and I cannot wait to see what she gets up to.

This show's ensemble and supporting cast was packed with talent. First we have Tony nominated Alex Brightman who is one the of the most fun people to watch on stage. His face lights up and you can just see how happy he is to be there. He's a joy to watch and this show with all it's fantastic, whimsical staging and score is a perfect place for Alex to be. Then we have Ben Crawford who played Don Price. This man is just so dang talented. He has a voice that's smooth like butter and just so wonderful to listen to. We don't get to see Ben do too much on the stage in this show, but what he gets he does oh so well. He's such a presence literally and figuratively. You can see him now in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory as Mr. Salt. And he kills that performance as well.

Although this show wasn't what I was expecting it was still a beautiful production. To see such a fanciful tale told on stage is such a wonder. The actors got to play and do so much on the stage. Circus performers, mermaids, giants everything you could want out of a magical fantasy tale. it's a beautiful story about family and love. A son who just wants to know who is father is. Hearing crazy tales his entire life and not believing them. When Will realizes his dad has been telling the truth the whole time it's a beautiful moment. Filled with passion and amazement. I'm glad this show is getting a lovely life as a high school and community theatre staple. I mean who doesn't want a stage filled with daisies?