A Witch, a Giant, a Mermaid and a Son

Big Fish – BoHo Theatre

Get ready to be impressed, thoroughly moved and absolutely inspired to live your life with all the exhilaration and empathy as humanly possible. BoHo Theatre has a magical hit on its hands with this beautiful, deceptively simple and gloriously production. Directed with so much love and care by the multitalented Stephen Schellhardt, this intimate production bursts beyond the stage and into the audience, warming hearts and, at times, evoking tears. 

Featuring a book by John August and a score by Andrew Lippa, this is a musical about telling tales, spinning yarns and making your life count for something. It’s about being true to who you are and being there for those around you. Chicagoans are being treated to one of the finest local productions of this musical since its 2013 Chicago preBroadway tryout. Based upon Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel, Big Fish: a Novel of Mythic Proportions, as well as the 2003 Tim Burton film of the same name, the musical tells the story of Edward Bloom, a modest traveling salesman, and his relationship with his son, Will. 

The play whimsically bounces back and forth in time, depicting the highlights from Edward’s life and the concern he demonstrates for everyone he’s ever known, particularly the love of his life, Sandra. Will, a newly-married young man, who’s anticipating the birth of his own son, first must reconcile with his tall tale-telling father. Throughout his life, Edward has filled his son’s head with farfetched, tall tales, overflowing with witches, giants and mermaids, in which Edward was the hero; but now Will needs to know what was real and who is this man whom he calls his father.

Stephen Schellhardt has guided his production, based upon the revised Broadway version, with simplicity and loads of heart. He smartly focuses on the relationships between Edward, his family and his friends, rather than filling the stage with overpowering scenery. Lauren M. Nichols’ economic scenic design works well and is nicely balanced by G. “Max” Maxin IV’s lovely lighting and visual projections. Megan Farley’s choreography perfectly fits the modest upstairs Greenhouse venue, adding motion and color to the show. Michael McBride’s fine musical direction is perfection, as is his talented six-piece onstage orchestra. Christina Leinicke’s colorful, imaginative costumes add much to the homespun look of this musical tale.

The best reasons to see this is production include Tommy Thurston in the leading role of Edward Bloom. In his honest, heartfelt portrayal of a father who’s lived his life for everyone around him, although he’s embellished it with the stories of the colorful characters who were his friends, this may be Mr. Thurston’s finest role of his impressive career. Not only is Thurston’s love palpable in his portrayal, his sweet baritone soars in songs like “Be the Hero,” “Fight the Dragons” and the poignant “How It Ends.” 

He’s exquisitely matched by Kyrie Anderson’s sensitive  characterization of Sandra. Ms. Anderson has appeared in excellent productions of musicals like “Merrily We Roll,” “Fly By Night” and “Blood Brothers;” however, this may be her best role, to date. The music nestles nicely in the warmth of her impressive voice. Ms. Anderson’s honest, caring portrayal of a woman who’s a lover, a wife and a mother is as real as anything audiences will ever see on stage. Ms. Anderson’s vocal prowess shines in songs like “Two Men in My Life,” “I Don’t Need a Roof,” “Little Lamb From Alabama” and her duet with Thurston, “Daffodils,” is sublime.

The cast features an ensemble of truly likable, hardworking actor/singer/dancers, such as stunning BoHo newcomer Caitlin Dobbins, who portrays the Witch, and other characters; lovely Michaela Shapiro, so stunning as the enchanting Mermaid, along with others; magnificent and handsome Robert Quintanilla, majestic as Karl, the gentle Giant; Sean Michael Barrett as ringmaster Amos Calloway, as well as several other characters; handsome Jeff Pierpoint and lovely Nicole Bessa, as Will and his lovely wife Josephine; and wonderful Desmond Murphy, who says everything with just his face and body language, as Young Will (played by Ian Michael Pinski, in alternate performances). Alli Atkenson is terrific, both in the ensemble, and in key character, Jenny Hill; the versatile Matt Frye appropriately carries a chip on his shoulder in his jealousy of Edward Bloom; and earnest young Joshua Bishop is great as Zacky Price, among the other characters who complement this show.

This entertaining, family-friendly production, which focuses on loving relationships and captivating storytelling, makes every performance Fathers Day. Director Stephen Schellhardt spins a heartfelt, gorgeous musical tale about family, friendships and love. It’s a musical that will touch the heart, speak to the soul and bring a laugh and a tear to everyone. For the performances of Tommy Thurston and Kyrie Anderson alone, theatergoers will be rewarded. Edward Bloom’s gift for spinning stories that both entertain and teach will leave the theatergoers a little happier and a lot wiser.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 29-November 17 by BoHo Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.BoHoTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.