As the saying goes… “Big Fish, Small Pond”

by Sarah Dorsey

Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel Big Fish tells the tale about a father with larger than life stories, Edward Bloom, and his son, William Bloom, a realist and matter of fact story teller. As William prepares for the arrival of his own son, he sets out to find the truth of his father’s past. Gradually, he realizes that his father’s over the top, mythic stories weren’t necessarily to frustrate him but to teach him about people and life’s greatest challenges. Players Club of Swarthmore beautifully took on the challenge of putting together this cinematic musical by John August and Andrew Lippa. With big, over the top musical numbers like “Be the Hero,” “Daffadils,” and “Red, White, and True,” the musical takes the audience on a wildly fantastical journey through Edward’s eyes.

Under the direction of Kayla Bowe and stage management of  J. Tyler Atkinson (Kira McFadden- Assistant Stage Manager), the cast and crew opened Big Fish with a thunderous applause from the almost sold out audience. The crew with Geena Shaw, Liz Corcoran, Amy Goldman, and Bran Hedges and led by Max Segarnick ran a smooth show with seamless transitions. While the scene changes happened quickly, they occurred during or at the end of a scene in full light which occasionally took away the magic of the story. Working directly with the characters, Kayla Bowe (costume design), Barbara Scanlon, Emily Engel, and Shelly Haynes Ezold (costume support) as well as Graycen Paulicelli (wigs and make-up design) added a level of perfection to the musical. While the costumes fit each character and theme well, they were simple and generic. The matching outfits for the old and young Edward helped the audience understand that we have gone back in time for his story. Additionally, Lindsey Silver as Puppet Master and Suzette Krausen as Props Design did a magnificent job setting the stage with trinkets to fit the time and storyline. In any great story, the characters’ interactions can be more intense and intimate. Gracie Hudson (Intimacy Coordinator) clearly did an outstanding job working with this cast. They moved around the stage comfortably. While I went on opening night, it felt like they had been working together for years.

The music in Big Fish is over the top, dramatic, and beautiful. This cast did an outstanding job bringing the music to life– in my opinion, I believe it was the best sounding community theatre ensemble that I’ve heard in a while. Jeff Smith, musical director, did a phenomenal job working with this all-star cast. Alongside Smith, Emily Engel pieced together beautifully choreographed numbers for this talented cast. At times simple and timeless while other times fast and upbeat, Engel’s choreography was stellar and executed well. The tapping in “Red, White, and True” was a huge hit with the jam-packed audience. The musical’s visuals were also stellar– set design by Daniel Jankauskas with master carpenter Ed Robins, scenic art by Karlayna Steward, lighting design by J. Tyler Atkinson were aesthetically pleasing and professionally constructed. The simple one set design allowed the larger props to enter in and out with ease through the barnyard doors, and it allowed the actors to easily move from one scene to another. The lighting was strategic, allowing the audience to follow the movement of the lights with the plot and Edward’s stories. In a similar way, Matthew Stickel’s sound design helped with the feeling and emotions of the characters as well as the reactions from the audience. The final sound cue with Edward’s exit gave a feeling of completion and end.

The leading roles were cast perfectly. John B. Hedges as Edward Bloom and Gavin Wycuff alongside as Young Edward Bloom were a spot-on pairing. They were consistent with Edward’s mannerisms. Hedges’s Bloom was older yet still childlike and energetic. His singing, dancing, and acting were absolutely spot on. Wycuff’s Bloom was fun and free with the freedom of his movement and spectacular voice– he brought the young Bloom to life. Lauren Champlin-Moadeli as Sandra Bloom and Lexi Livanos as Young Sandra Templeton looked, sounded, and acted like they were born to play this role. I would absolutely go back to hear Champlin-Moadeli’s voice as Sandra one more time. Like butter, her speaking and singing voice captivated the audience’s attention. She presented Sandra as a calm, loving, and happy wife. In a very similar way, Livanos captured the young, excited, and energetic Sandra. Her singing and dancing as an Alabama Lamb (with Tess Coary and Katie Young) took everyone back in time to a small town way of living. Will Bloom, played by Richie Izzo and Daniel Gorman, is a role fit for a skeptic. (Because who can believe crazy stories about giants, witches, and random wars?) The actor sang  solos like “Stranger” and “Be the Hero (Reprise)” with such wonder and fantasy. The expression and notes were clear and crisp. Opposite Izzo and Gorman, Quinton Leaf and Harrison Simon took on the Young Will Bloom. The young actor (on opening night- Quinton Leaf) was absolutely swimming in the magic of his “father’s” stories. The young actor clearly had a blast playing alongside Hedges. Partnering up next to Izzo and Gorman, Madison Claus as Josephine Bloom. Claus, like Champlin-Moadeli and Livanos, was elegant and loving. The female leads all portrayed their character as a loving support to their partner– it felt true and authentic to the characters as they’re written in Wallace’s novel.

Other notable roles included: Kristin Hegel as the witch, Jeffrey Barg as Karl, Casey Lynch as Amos, Jenny Ammon as Young Jenny Hill, Josie Gold as Jenny Hill, John Millison as Don Price and Red Fang, Jacob Fizzano as Zacky Price and Fisherman, and finally John Casertano as Dr. Bennett, Judge, Ashton Mayor, and General Patterson. All the supporting characters had outstanding chemistry with the leads. Hegel’s “The Witch (I Know What You Want)” was soulful and witchy (pardon the pun). Barg’s role as Karl the Giant was witty and fun. Ammon and Gold as Jenny Hill were again perfectly paired. While the role was more of a supporting role, both actresses took on Hill with grace and a level of importance. Casertano’s ability to change from one character to another was nothing short of spectacular– showing a new talent and tone for each role.

The cast included a very talented and experienced ensemble. The ensemble, Tess Coary, Katie Young, Alyssa Nichter, Gillian Booth, Violet Cheng, Keith Hall, Savannah Mitchell, Hunter Pugh, Bailey Rifkin, Kevin Shaffer, and Amanda Strydio, worked together like a team that’s been playing the game for years. They didn’t stop acting at the end of a scene; rather, they continued to act and move with their character until they completely exited the stage. Together they added an additional level to Bloom’s stories by reacting to his own excitement

Located in Swarthmore, PA on Fairview Road, PCS has been delighting audiences with performances since 1911. Don’t miss your opportunity to see Big Fish at the Players Club of Swarthmore. It runs from May 29-June 13 and you can find tickets online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/117/production/1238952  for $27 adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for children.