Visit a World of Tall Tales in BIG FISH at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre

Join the circus, catch a giant fish, meet a witch, and fall in love! Adventure awaits as Playful Theatre Productions presents "Big Fish, The Musical" at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre. Dates and show times are: Fridays, March 31 and Apr. 7 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, April 1 and 8 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, April 2 and 9 at 2 p.m.

Kelsey Theatre is located on MCCC's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on March 31.

"Big Fish" is based on the 2003 Tim Burton movie and the novel by Daniel Wallace, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The plot focuses on the relationship between traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his son, Will. Edward's larger-than-life stories have always thrilled everyone around him - except his skeptical son. Now that Will is getting married and expecting a child of his own, he would like to know the real story behind his father's adventures. And, there is much for Will to learn - including the possibility that seeing life through his father's eyes makes the world a more wondrous place. (This show replaces the previously scheduled "Wonderland.")

The cast features Jill Bradshaw of Mt. Laurel as Jenny Hill; Teddy Brendel of Cranbury as younger Will Bloom; Vianna Fagel of Lambertville as Josephine Bloom; Jennifer Fischer of Hamilton as the Witch; Carter Fregia of Langhorne, Pa., as Will's son; Michael Gearty of Langhorne, Pa., as Amos Calloway; Laurie Gougher of Newtown, Pa., as older Sandra Bloom; William Kamps of Burlington as Will Bloom; Christina Kosyla of Lawrenceville as Sandra Bloom; Sally Page-Sohor of Manalapan as older Jenny Hill; Jeffrey Scharf of Yardley, Pa., as Dr. Bennett; Michael Scibilia of Levittown, Pa., as Edward Bloom; Avelyn Simons of Princeton as Zacky Price; Christopher Singh of Hightstown as Don Price; Aidan Stallworth-Glitz of Hamilton as Karl, The Giant; and William Walters of Columbus as older Edward Bloom.

Ensemble members include Kaitlyn Anthony of Bordentown, Rachel Benoit of Yardville, John Boccanfuso of Yardville, Sarah Cohn of Yardley, Pa., Justin Derry of Langhorne, Pa., Elizabeth Ferrara of West Windsor, Lucy Fisher of Fleming, Tara Genco of Langhorne, Pa., Anna Mikoski of Princeton, Emily O'Sullivan of Hamilton, Kelsey Rivera of Perth Amboy, Liam Smith of Yardley, Pa., and Laura Young of Levittown, Pa.

The production team is led by Director Frank Ferrara and Musical Directors Shannon Ferrara and Mike Gilch, along with Stage Managers Ruth Kresge and Nancy Scharf, Producer Hilary Leboff, Choreographer Dominick Sannelli, and Producer SuzAnne Smith. Lighting design is by Starr McCloud and set design is by Bryan Schendlinger.

Tickets for "Big Fish, The Musical" are $20 for adults, $18for seniors, and $16 for students. Tickets are available at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater.

Photo: The cast includes, front row, from left, Laurie Gougher, Jill Bradshaw, Vianna Fagel, William Walters and Teddy Brendel; top row, Sally Page Sohor and William Kamps. Photo by Frank Ferrara.

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