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Catch ‘Big Fish The Musical’ as show opens Thursday
SIKESTON—“Big Fish The Musical” dangles a lot of hooks to attract audiences. There are song and dance, love and death, and even a witch and giant.
The Sikeston Little Theatre’s production, which opens Thursday, has something for everyone, said Eugene Stroud.
“It is an exciting play,” said Stroud, who is co-director of the production with Jeremiah Dunmyer. “There are ups and downs, laughter, crying. There are moments it will have you on edge of your seat. I would love for everybody to come see this.”
According to Stroud, “Big Fish The Musical” is an epic tale about a father, who is nearing the end of his life, and a son, who is beginning his life as a new husband and soon-to-be father.
“The father likes to tell big fish stories. The son is trying to figure out who his father is as a man based on these stories,” Stroud explained. “It is a great story, specifically around Father’s Day.”
“Big Fish The Musical” is the most modern Broadway show ever tackled by the Sikeston Little Theatre, the director said. First performed on Broadway in 2013, it features music by Andrew Lippa, who also wrote the score for the musical, “The Addams Family.”
“The music tells more of the story than the actual dialogue,” Stroud said. “The words and the music go along with the story and will tell the epic tale that unfolds. The music is very gripping.”
Stroud called the show a good fit for Sikeston Little Theatre with its wide range of emotions and themes. It is also one of the biggest shows to be performed with a cast of more than 70 ranging in ages from 7 to 70, he added.
Praising his cast, Stroud said the singers are all very strong.
Performing the role of Edward Bloom, the father, is Brock Thornsbrough. Playing his wife, Sandra Bloom, is Thornsbrough’s real-life wife, Amie Thornsbrough.
Brandon Sindle is the son, Will, wrestling to come to an understanding of his father through the tales he was told growing up. Maverick James will take the stage as the young Will.
Other familiar SLT performers include Lee Dacus as Karl the giant and Ben Chessor as Amos Callaway. Returning to the SLT stage is Terri Jett, who takes on the role of the witch.
In addition to a strong cast, Stroud hinted the audience will be introduced to some new staging with the production.
“It is amazing. It will bring a new technical aspect to the theatrical experience at Sikeston Little Theatre,” he promised but refused to reveal more.
For actor, singer and also the show’s music director, Brock Thornsbrough said it is the music and story which drew him to the production.
“I feel the best shows cover a wide range of emotions and this show covers them. You will laugh and then be angry the next moment. You will want to cheer for the main character and then think he is such a jerk just moments later,” he explained. “And then, you will fall in love with him and simply understand that he deeply loves his family and has lived his entire life for them.”
According to Thornsbrough, the show also offers a lot of dancing. He said the production has tap, clogging, ballet and even contemporary dance.
He also has high praise for his fellow singers and dancers.
“There is an amazing amount of talent in this show. I am amazed at how each person has enveloped their characters and it shows on stage,” he said.
Stroud and Thornsbrough agreed the show, which is slated for 7 p.m. June 21, 22, 23 and 28, 29 and 30 with 2 p.m. matinees on June 24 and July 1, offers a strong message.
“Big Fish The Musical” is a story about a father wanting the best for his son, Stroud said.
“And even though you may not understand your father or your parents, you can always learn from what they are doing,” he added. “You may have a strained relationship and may not understand everything going on — but they are there for you, they want you to succeed and want the best for you.”
Thornsbrough said it urges people to listen and be present with their loved ones.
“Enjoy their stories and who they are,” he explained. “You never know when our time will be done, so absorb every moment.”