I can’t confirm first-hand, but have heard tell that the Broadway musical “Big Fish” — for all the first-rate talent involved — was rather too large for the story’s more intimate insights about a son charmed, then bored, then resentful and suspicious of his father’s tall, very tall, tales.
More than a few times, the regional premiere of “Big Fish” shimmers in the smaller pond of the Aurora Fox, where it is getting its regional premiere.
The story of traveling salesman Edward Bloom, as told by son Will, began as a novel by Daniel Wallace. It was adapted into an often-fantastical film directed by Tim Burton and written by John August. And August had a hand in reeling in the show for Broadway: he wrote the book. Andrew Lippa wrote the music and lyrics.
In the 2003 movie, Edward was played by both Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney. Here, Kevin Schwarz portrays the spinner of yarns as a young man, as well as the aging and ailing Edward.
His father’s terminal illness leads the adult Will (Matt Summers) to return home to Alabama from New York City to begin reckoning with Edward’s embellishments and discover a secret.
Aptly, Edward’s history unfolds as a mixture of his Alabama past and his fondness for fantasy. His high-school girlfriend figures into the mystery. So do a vividly dancing Witch (Emily Jansen), a gentle giant named Karl (Mark Rubald) and a circus ringmaster (played with verve by Rob Costigan).
Schwarz brings boisterous energy to his role. He’s anchored well by Megan Van De Hey, who plays wife Sandra.
If the play doesn’t quite keep up the persistent ache between father and son, it does improve nicely upon the character of Sandra. Van De Hey brings depth to her portrayal of the devoted wife and sympathetic mom, capturing that tension in “Two Men in My Life.” Nate Patrick Siebert is winning as young Will.
While Ashton and his cast are thoughtful about intimacy, this production still embraces the really big moment. As Sandra and Edward give in to love, the stage gives way to a field of flowers. It is an ooh-ahh pleasure, devised by scenic designer Charles Packard (who is also the Aurora Fox’s top dog).
Just as impressive is the scene that comes before. Directed by John Ashton, Van De Hey and two other “Alabama Lambs,” achieve magic in “Little Lamb from Alabama.” The trio harmonizes beautifully while performing a kind of slo-mo soft shoe as Edward spies the love of his life and future bride from a grandstand.
The second act begins with a number (“Red, White and True”) that nearly squanders the tender feelings, and it takes a spell before the show recovers its heartfelt mood. But as intimations of mortality become stronger, and Will begins to make real peace with the truths of his veracity-bending dad, it does recover. Yes, it was bitter cold the night we attended the show — but I’m pretty sure those weren’t weather-related sniffles I heard from nearby menfolk.
“BIG FISH” Book by John August. Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Directed by John Ashton. Featuring Kevin Schwartz, Matt Summers, Megan Van De Hey, Mark Rubald and Rob Costigan. Through March 22. 2 hours, 30 minutes. At the Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora. Tickets $14-$31 via or 303-739-1970
