Taking on Big Fish was a risk. It is a big show that requires a great deal from the production and artistic team, as well as actors who can believably jump between reality, fantasy, and flashbacks. Not to mention none of us had ever seen this show on stage before! And it was a risk because it is not well-known musical, even though it was highly praised during its run on Broadway in 2013. However, Big Fish offers up everything that makes theatre magical, including magic itself. On the one hand it is a beautiful, simple story of a family who is trying to reconcile relationships as the father faces his mortality. On the other hand it is an epic tale of a man who has created magic, fortune, and fantasy throughout his exciting life. It is a story of hope, fear, excitement, love, death, and immortality. And it is a story most of us can relate to on some level. Just like life Big Fish takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and reminds us all to engage in our dreams and make relationships our priority.
I would like to take this time to thank the amazing production and artistic team, many of whom were students taking on tremendously demanding positions for their first time. Cydney Bittner (projection artwork), Rebecca Lucas (props creator), Peter Erikson (set designer), and Karl Gray (lighting designer) – you have created remarkably successful designs and your talent and maturity throughout this process has been impressive. Thank you to Grace Gallagher, our fearless stage manager, and the entire student tech and run crew for your hours, dedication, and professionalism. None of this would be possible without Cheri Snook, technical director, who continually goes above and beyond in order to assist students to do their best work and who is able to create magic in less-than-magical conditions! Thank you to Robyn Watson (costume designer), Phoenix Fritch (assistant director) and Ivy Synnestvedt (assistant choreographer). You guys make amazing things happen through striving for excellence and professionalism while keeping your calm and humor intact. I am beyond grateful to work with you and call you my friends. CB West Teachers: Dr. Joseph Ohrt, Neil Delson, Leanne Schrier – thank you so much for your support and guidance through these past three years. In my humble opinion we have made some wonderful theatre together.
To my actors: thank you for your collaboration on this show. It was a challenging year in many ways but we created a magical and special show together. Seniors: you will always have a special place in my heart. I hope you take every opportunity you can to reach for your dreams and..
“Be the hero every time you get the chance; if the music stops continue with the dance; be attentive, be inventive, be the first one to rejoice; with a story in your heart you won’t need any other choice; you’re a hero fighting dragons, winning wars; be the hero and the world will soon be yours!!!”
~Jessica Bostock, Director
