Big Fish Recap!

By: Ben Carsley '18

Now that we have returned from a refreshing spring break, let us shortly recap the Water Street Players' musical, Big Fish. 

It may surprise some of you to know that no less than a week after the curtains closed on the fall play, The Illusion, rehearsal for Big Fish began. After auditions, the cast began work on blocking the show, memorizing lines, working dance numbers and, of course, singing. 

At this breakneck rate, the cast quickly became masters of song, dance, and comedic stilt walking. After working night and day, the cast and crew of Big Fish were at last prepared to open for their adoring fans. 

For those few who did not attend the show, here's a quick synopsis: Edward Bloom (played by AJ Gersh '15) loves to tell stories... a lot. He tells his son, Will Bloom, (played by Adam Needle '16) tall tales about his life. Edward tells Will of a mysterious witch (played by Ella Green), his best friend the giant (played by Jack Maniscalco '15), and a host of other hilarious characters. Will at first embraces these stories in his youth, but as he grows he becomes skeptical of his father and feels as if he doesn't really know who he is. Will thinks his father tells him these stories to hide the truth. Edward is then diagnosed with cancer and Will tries to spend time with his father to find the truth behind the stories. Can Edward and Will become close once again? Is Edward hiding a dark secret? Will Jack Maniscalco fall off his stilts? If you want the answers to those questions you should of come to the show! 

On one hand this show is a serious drama between a father and son in modern times. On the other hand it's a quirky, upbeat comedy as Will and Edward reminisce back to the days when Will was younger. I heard rave reviews from everyone who saw it. 

Thanks to Mr. Giddings, Severn has enjoyed another great show and is looking forward to the next, The Lord of The Flies.