Big Fish
at McLean High School

Reviewed on February 28, 2015

Gavin Moore
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

As children, we are told extravagant stories of giants, witches, cowboys and mermaids. These tales turn from grandiose to unbelievable as we grow older, become more cynical, and learn to question the world around us. In an astonishing and truly impeccable production of Big Fish, heralded by phenomenal technical feats and brilliant performances, McLean High School explored the careful intersection between fantastic imagination and everyday reality.

Based on Daniel Wallace's 1998 novel and Tim Burton's 2003 film of the same name, Big Fish was adapted by Andrew Lippa and John August. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2013 after a successful Chicago tryout, but fell short of critical and box office success. The heartfelt story follows two timelines chronicling the relationship between traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his stubborn son, Will. As Will grows up, he becomes increasingly critical of his father's tall tales, and only when Edward is diagnosed with cancer does Will set out to separate fact from fiction in order to mend their strained relationship.

From the opening moments, beautiful technical aspects greatly enhanced the production. Dazzling use of colored spotlights and projections gave each of the settings of Edward's stories a unique aesthetic. From a murky swamp to a flowing river, lighting was impeccably implemented and perfectly suited to each scene. The intricately designed scenery was handled by a nimble stage crew, who ensured that the production moved fluidly. The costumes were truly exquisite: each character went through numerous costume changes, with each costume true to the time period and visually stunning. The show's choreography was expertly crafted by Marielle Burt and featured impressive dancing from a wide array of genres - from a tap dancing extravaganza to breathtaking aerial acrobatics. Overall, the production's technical elements worked as a cohesive unit to create a magnificent framework for the actors to utilize.

Alex Stone shone as Edward Bloom, captivating audience members from the moment he walked onstage. Stone combined phenomenal singing, commanding stage presence and comic ability to engage the audience with his outrageous stories. Stone's excellent rendition of the big opening number, "Be the Hero," set the stage with outstanding energy. Jack Posey perfectly stepped into the role of Edward's increasingly frustrated son, Will, showcasing incredible vocals and acting ability in his terrific rendition of "Stranger." Stone and Posey's tremendous dedication to their characters allowed the audience to witness an emotional evolution in their father-son relationship over the course of the production. While Stone and Posey's relationship was at the center of the show, the love story between Edward and his devoted wife, Sandra, was nothing short of perfection. Rachel Lawhead exuded warmth and patience as Sandra, demonstrating remarkable chemistry with Stone in "Time Stops" and "Daffodils."

Many supporting characters added fervor to the production. Matt Lucero provided numerous laughs as the affable giant, Karl, impressively using stilts to assume the towering stature of the character. Will Stockton stepped wonderfully into the shoes of circus ringleader, Amos Calloway. A consistently engaged and energetic ensemble formed the core of the production. From circus performers to townsfolk to cowboys, the company brought life to every scene, making large numbers like "Showdown" truly spectacular.

Few high school theater departments are able to produce a musical of such epic proportions in a nearly professional manner, but McLean High School's cast and crew were able to do just that. Featuring spectacular technical elements, outstanding vocals and superb characterizations, McLean High School's production of Big Fish left audience members in awe, reminding all to be attentive, be inventive, and be the hero of their own story.

Lily Habenstreit
Albert Einstein High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

To children, the world seems to be filled with ever-exciting fantasy and adventure, with mermaids around the corner, witches in the woods, and giants down the road. However, as people mature and get sucked into the monotony of the real world, they seem to lose the sense of imagination that once inspired them. With incredible performances and thrilling technical elements, McLean High School reminded audiences of all the magic that exists in the world in their enchanting production of Big Fish.

Despite its star-studded cast and creative team, the sTo children, the world seems to be filled with ever-exciting fantasy and adventure, with mermaids around the corner, witches in the woods, and giants down the road. However, as people mature and get sucked into the monotony of the real world, they seem to lose the sense of imagination that once inspired them. With incredible performances and thrilling technical elements, McLean High School reminded audiences of all the magic that exists in the world in their enchanting production of Big Fish.

The musical of Big Fish, adapted from Daniel Wallace's 1998 novel and Tim Burton's 2003 film by the contemporary team of Andrew Lippa and John August, opened on Broadway in 2013. Despite its star-studded cast and creative team, the show received mixed reviews and unfortunately closed after a mere three months. Big Fish follows the story of the charismatic and imaginative Edward Bloom as, while approaching death, he attempts to heal his long-time distant relationship with his realist son, Will. As Will grows frustrated with his father's fantastical childhood stories, he embarks on a journey to uncover his father's real past and the secrets he may have been hiding.

Leading the extraordinarily talented cast was Alex Stone in the complex role of Edward Bloom. Stone's magnetic presence and superbly consistent portrayal of the character through the nonlinear story allowed for remarkably deep development of the flawed protagonist. His astounding voice captivated the audience, and his impressive energy carried the cast through the taxing show. At his side was the lovely Rachel Lawhead as Sandra Bloom, Edward's wife. Lawhead's sweet soprano complemented Stone's explosive tenor well, and the chemistry between the two performers was enrapturing.

The supporting cast featured a wide range of equally excellent performers. As Edward's pragmatic son, Will, Jack Posey displayed beautiful, light vocals, exceptional use of physicality, and impressive emotional progression in creating the crucial contrast between his character and Stone's. Adding some extra humor to the show was Matt Lucero as Karl the Giant; Lucero's terrific execution of the goofy role left the audience in stitches of laughter, and his physical ability on stilts was awe-inducing.

The amazingly talented ensemble provided a strong foundation for the leads with their exceptional dedication and spirit. The brilliant and creative dance numbers, by Marielle Burt, Rebecca Stewart and Jamie Wertz, were complicated and advanced, but the performers executed them nearly flawlessly and maintained high energy throughout the show.

Serving as the final glue in the stunning production were the seemingly professional technical elements, which truly developed the magical nature of musical with visually appealing and expressive designs. The versatile sets, designed by Marielle Burt, were breathtaking and effective, and facilitated seamless scene transitions that allowed the show to move quickly. The crisp costumes and props were incredibly detailed and carefully planned, thus adding even greater levels of significance to the meaningful show.

With spectacular vocal performances, deep character development, and impeccable technical work, McLean tackled mature themes and difficult material with their outstanding production of Big Fish.

Alex Bulova
Robinson Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Red Apple 21 - FCPS

Our lives are defined by the stories we tell. Not only do they provide entertainment for our friends and family, they ultimately determine how we will be remembered. Nowhere is this truth more apparent than in McLean Theatre Department's stunning production of Big Fish.

Based on the 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 film by Tim Burton, Big Fish premiered on Broadway in 2013 and was nominated for three Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Music. It follows the relationship between Edward Bloom, a larger-than-life traveling salesman known for his tall tales, and his estranged son Will, a realist who is searching for the truth behind his father's stories. Along the way, Will discovers giants, mermaids, and a new perspective on life.

Playing Edward Bloom with charisma and boundless energy was Alex Stone. Maintaining a convincing southern accent throughout the show, Stone deftly transitioned between his character's youth and old age with convincing physicality and excellent comic timing. Sandra Bloom was played with tenderness and affection by Rachel Lawhead. With strong vocals and an emotionally dynamic performance, Lawhead had terrific onstage chemistry with co-star Stone and provided much of the heart of the show. Jack Posey played their adult son Will and effectively captured the full range of his character's emotions, especially in his standout solo "Stranger."

Several supporting actors further elevated the show with outstanding performances. Playing the towering Karl the Giant was Matt Lucero; with a booming voice and a mastery of stilt walking, Lucero was simultaneously lovable and hilarious. Providing much of the humor throughout the show were Thomas Kelty and Jeffrey Nolan as Don and Zachy Price, respectively. Their genuine brotherly chemistry enabled many moments of hilarious physical comedy throughout the show. Finally, Nicole Sheehan played Jenny Hill, Edward Bloom's former girlfriend; with expertly timed emotional shifts, Sheehan captured both the fragility and heartbreak of her character.

The fantasy world of Big Fish was brought to life by both the energetic ensemble and the student choreography. Ranging from aerial acrobats to cowboys, the ensemble of Big Fish did a fantastic job defining each of Edward's fantasy worlds through constant engagement and wonderfully synchronized dancing. The choreography by Marielle Burt, Rebecca Stewart, and Jamie Wertz was excellent, with each dance specifically reflecting the time period of the scene and emphasizing the talents of the ensemble.

One of the highlights of the show was the set designed by Marielle Burt. Utilizing tracked walls, hanging silks, and automated platforms, the set created an immersive world that enabled quick and effective transitions between reality and fantasy. The lighting design by Jared Jacknow also contributed to the fantastical tone of the show, with different lighting being used to differentiate between reality and fantasy. The hair and makeup by Sydney Studds helped to distinguish between the several time periods of the show, and the costume design by Miranda Creason, Marzanne DeLapp de Anaya, Breezy Johnson, and Jessica Scarano brought to life the fantasy worlds splendidly. Though there were occasionally issues with actor's mics, all of the sound cues were on time and the actors were able to compensate through their projection.

With big spectacle, big laughs, and big heart, McLean Theatre Company's production of Big Fish was unforgettable from start to finish.

Zeal An
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Falls Church News Press

The lights rose on a simple scene: father and son discuss son's upcoming wedding. The modesty of the scene belied the breathtaking display of song, dance, and story that would soon fill the stage in McLean High School's production of Big Fish.

Big Fish began as a 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace, which spawned a 2003 Tim Burton film before being turned into a musical with music by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August. The play consists largely of a series of flashbacks, illustrating the larger-than-life stories of traveling salesman Edward Bloom. Edward's son, Will, attempts to find the truth and meaning behind the stories to mend his relationship with his dying father.

We see Edward Bloom (Alex Stone) in two time periods: in the present, when he is sixty and dying, and in his past, as the hero in the outlandish self-telling of his youth. As the young Bloom, Stone gave a cartoonishly energetic performance that perfectly led the extravagant nature of the play's flashbacks; as the elderly Bloom, Stone portrayed the old man trying to recapture the glory of his youth and arguing with his contentious son with a subdued sentiment that contrasted with his vigor in previous scenes. Most remarkable was Stone's ability to depict his two characters distinctly and equally powerfully, with smooth, effortless transitions. The audience hailed his youthful escapades and commiserated with the man on his deathbed, just seconds apart.

Just as remarkable were the connections Edward made with his wife Sandra, his son Will, and the many characters he met in his stories. Sandra Bloom (Rachel Lawhead) was also portrayed in two time periods; Lawhead enacted both the young southern belle and the brazen yet loving mother with parallel skill. Jack Posey, as Edward's son Will, convincingly demonstrated his character's conflict in reconciling his younger father's outrageous stories with his lack of connection with the current old man.

Emphasizing the fantastical atmosphere of Edward's stories were impressive technical aspects. Of particular note were the sets; McLean High School's team constructed significant additions to their stage, including a raised platform that spanned the length of the stage and wood paneling to the sides that folded in to reveal additional settings. The many set pieces, designed by Marielle Burt, were handled fluidly; instead of on-stage runners, motorized systems and the actors themselves minimized clutter between scene changes. Additionally, the lighting crew used the school's sophisticated lighting systems to their full potential, using the moving, color-changing lights to highlight particularly emotional points in the play. Sound, too, was executed ably, with only a few microphone errors that failed to distract from the play overall.

Notably, both the ensemble and the techs devoted significant time and energy into perfecting elements that were only sparsely used. During a circus scene, silk aerialists, a unicyclist, and even a live pig crammed the stage with hubbub, never to be seen again once the scene ended. Additionally, when Edward surprised Sandra with daffodils, her favorite flower, a special curtain sewn with daffodils from floor to ceiling emerged, providing a magnificent ending to the first act but was not used for the rest of the play. The detail and effort allotted to these small elements that easily could have been overlooked made McLean's production all the more impressive.

Big Fish is a story about stories; Edward's tales seem impossible, but McLean High School's production captured their extravagance masterfully, presenting an energetic, lively performance that well deserved the standing ovation it received.

Natasha Shukla
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - ARL/MC/Mont/DC

Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? You've heard the saying a million times, but how many times have you really thought about it? The McLean Theatre Company's production of "Big Fish" takes you on an epic adventure with Edward Bloom and his son, Will, as they answer this question for themselves while simultaneously trying to strengthen their fragile relationship.

"Big Fish" started its journey as a book, "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions," written by Daniel Wallace in 1998. In 2003, Tim Burton's stellar film adaptation received Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award nominations. A musical adaptation taking inspiration from both the book and the movie opened in Chicago in April of 2013, starring Norbert Leo Butz as Edward Bloom and Bobby Steggert as Will. That September, "Big Fish" the musical opened on Broadway and finally became a big fish of its own, living in an even bigger pond.

The story follows Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman known for his tall tales and outsized ambition. Instead of reading bedtime stories to his son Will, he often told stories of his own supposed life - of a fortune-telling witch lurking in the woods, his first kiss with a dazzling mermaid, and his dear friend Karl the Giant, to name a few. At various milestones in Will's life, such as his wedding and the birth of his own son, he questions how much he really knows about his father and how much is just a story. When Will's mother, Sandra, tells him of Edward's cancer, Will flies in with his pregnant wife Josephine to make the most of the time Edward has left, and to get to the bottom of who his father truly is.

The Bloom family had very well-defined relationships and kept the story moving at a pace that was just right. Alex Stone's performance as Edward Bloom captivated audiences with his high energy and charisma. Watching him switch between a sixty- and a twenty-year-old (in flashbacks) in a matter of seconds truly added to the surreal aesthetic of the show. Rachel Lawhead was the sweetest southern belle around in her charming portrayal of Sandra Bloom, Edward's wife. Jack Posey, as Will Bloom, expertly balanced a sense of grown sophistication and youthful curiosity throughout the show, and had very natural chemistry with his on-stage wife Josephine Bloom, played by the compelling Emma Gold.

The supporting roles had very strongly developed characters while the ensemble did an excellent job of adding dimension to each scene. The Witch (Helena Doms) enchanted the audience with her irresistibly taunting personality. Between Karl the Giant's (Matt Lucero) wildly entrancing deep voice and Amos Calloway's (Will Stockton) playful spirit, the comedy kept on coming. The Circus Ensemble featured many shocking individuals, from an extremely strong man to dressed-up gorillas carrying humans in cages, contributing to the outlandish images of "Big Fish."

The technical aspects of this show tied everything together in a spectacular array of silk aerialists, impressive lighting effects, and realistic projections, astounding the audience scene after scene. The show had breathtaking choreography, done entirely by students. In fact, McLean Theatre Company's show was almost entirely student-run. They worked together and succeeded in giving this show its iconic "larger than life" feel, truly embodying the concept of "Big Fish."

Morgan Perigard
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Iris Murdoch once said, "We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality." This task rings especially true for one man, an optimistic dreamer. This is the man that will take you on a journey… a journey through McLean High School's production of Big Fish.

Big Fish, based on the Daniel Wallace novel and Tim Burton movie, opened on Broadway in 2013. The show, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by John August, ran for 98 performances. Following two story lines, this heart-warming story of love, acceptance, and family, chronicles the life of Edward Bloom through the extraordinary fairy tales of his history. Swapping back and forth between past fantasies and present-day realities, Edward's estranged son Will works to put together the puzzle of Edward's fantastical stories to meet the father he never really knew before it is too late.

McLean Theatre's professionalism was evident as they tackled this larger-than-life show, complete with seamless technical aspects, endearing performances, and showstopping musical numbers.

Alex Stone's entrancing portrayal of Edward Bloom was consistently animated and vivacious, allowing him to demonstrate a full range of emotion in every situation. Stone's impeccable vocals and precise tonal quality added an extra flair every time he was on stage. As a foil to Edward, Jack Posey played Will Bloom with simplicity and a realistic approach. Stone and Posey embodied the estranged relationship between son and father with a comfortable, yet alienated chemistry. Rounding out the Bloom family was wife and mother Sandra, played by Rachel Lawhead. Lawhead added a stable middle-ground to the broken family, using her sunny and firm disposition to truly embody her character, especially in the song "I Don't Need a Roof."

As the show moves forward through Edward's fantasies, the audience is introduced to numerous mystical characters who Edward meets along the way. The Witch, played by Helena Doms, captivated the entire theater with her chilling voice and eerie qualities. Matt Lucero, who played Karl the Giant, combined his spot-on comedic timing and quirky nature to develop his friendship with Edward. The entire ensemble, made up of cowboys, circus performers, and silk aerialists to name a few, kept up the energy and vibrancy, never faltering or losing character. Each group had defined characterization which aided the overall lively and exciting dynamic of the show.

McLean's countless technical facets added a whole other side to this superb production. Almost completely student done, standout categories included the intricate choreography, detailed costumes, and motorized sets. The choreography consisted of many different styles of dance, including stomping, tapping, and even square dancing. The performers looked comfortable with the moves, though many were new and challenging. Sets and costumes blended together beautifully to incorporate the blue color scheme of the show. Numerous sets were featured and transitioned easily and efficiently due to the automated platform and sliding stairs & screens. Each costume was designed specifically for each character and moment, giving the whole show a clean and crisp look.

Smiles were abundant as the curtain closed and the audience left the theater, which goes to show that even if you consider yourself a realist, McLean High School's production of Big Fish can make anyone feel like they are living in a fantasy.

Simon Aroche
Albert Einstein High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

It is obvious that a father-and-son relationship can sometimes be a challenge. As a child, you may see your father as an amazing person who once would tell magical stories of adventure, yet later in life see the same storyteller as a liar who would tell these wonderful tall tales only to prevent the truth from coming out. This conflict makes for a dramatic plot filled with mystical, fun-filled numbers - which is exactly what McLean High School served up in their production of Big Fish. Every aspect of the show did an amazing of job of recreating a father's outlandish stories that unfold in this exciting show.

Big Fish is based on Daniel Wallace's 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, and a Tim Burton 2003 movie adaptation written by John August; with a book by August and music & lyrics by Andrew Lippa, the stage version landed on Broadway in 2013. This spectacular musical follows a traveling salesman from Alabama named Edward Bloom who retells the stories of his life to his young son Will Bloom; in these tales, he encounters a witch, a mermaid, a giant, a werewolf, among others - and his wife Sandra Bloom. As Will grows up, he begins to resent his father, for he believes that the man's entertaining yarns were just a cover-up for his true nature. While Will tries to get to know his real dad, he embarks on a journey through his father's past.

The leading character, Edward Bloom, was played by Alex Stone who did a stupendous job portraying this magnetic character. Every minute Stone was on stage created a magical feeling that left the audience wanting more. It was clear from the beginning that Stone is a triple-threat, with a powerful voice that added to his top-notch emotional acting and wonderful dancing skills; these were especially evident in the rousing opening number "Be the Hero." Stone truly delivered a performance that was unreal and which helped guide every character along in every moment of the show. Rachel Lawhead did a phenomenal job of playing his wife, Sandra Bloom; her impressive dance skills and the ability to contrast her younger character to her present-day wife were splendid. Her singing topped it all with a soothing voice that shined through and helped deliver her own story, especially in "Time Stops."

The ensemble is really what kept the show going. The company continued to surprise the audience with their high energy and flawless performances. Each time they came on stage, they were better than the last time and there was not a single moment where they were not in character. Their ability to dance to very different styles of music was most surprising.

The technical aspects really made the show enchanting. From the extremely smooth set transitions, to the crisp, clear sound, the show could not have been more accomplished. Perhaps the most remarkable technical aspect was the lighting which was very professional and set the mood for every scene. Each color choice was very wise and only made the show finer. The set pieces were very well-crafted and kept the show realistic yet fantastical as well.

With all aspects of the show being this amazing, it was no surprise that McLean's production of Big Fish kept the audience on the edge of their seats.