David Elder, Emily Skinner and Eleasha Gamble Make a Splash in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's BIG FISH, Beginning Tonight

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents BIG FISH, a new Broadway musical with a larger than life story, this summer at the Civic Center Music Hall. Based on the Daniel Wallace novel that inspired the Tim Burton film of the same name, BIG FISH runs tonight, July 21, through 25. The show will star Broadway's David Elder and Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner as Edward and Sandra Bloom, respectively.

"Every so often, a musical comes along that speaks to the heart. I think BIG FISH's tale of adventure, magic, and love is one of those special shows," said Michael Baron, Lyric's producing artistic director and director of this production. "Brought to life with Andrew Lippa's soaring score, colorful new scenic and costume designs by Adam Koch and Jeffrey Meek, and an amazingly talented cast, I'm sure audiences will find this show irresistible."

BIG FISH follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman from Alabama who has lived an extraordinary life. Bloom delights his family and friends with his larger than life stories, but his tales have caused a rift between him and his son, Will. Audiences will be delighted as the elder Bloom's tales come to life on stage, and charmed by the story of reconciliation between father and son.

David Elder will play Edward Bloom. Elder, who performed in Lyric's 2012 production of BYE BYE BIRDIE as Albert Peterson, has been seen on Broadway in CURTAINS (Bobby Pepper), 42ND STREET (Billy Lawlor), and KISS ME, KATE (Bill Calhoun). Emily Skinner, a Tony Award nominee for her role in SIDE SHOW, will play Edward's wife, Sandra. Skinner was seen in Lyric's 2014 productions of DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID (Ursula) and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Charlotte Malcolm). Other Broadway credits include JEKYLL & HYDE, THE FULL MONTY, JAMES JOYCE'S THE DEAD, DINNER AT EIGHT, and BILLY ELLIOT.

Other members of the cast include Eleasha Gamble as the Witch, Greg White as Karl, and Russell McCook as Will Bloom. Gamble appeared in Lyric's 2011 production of OLIVER! (Nancy), and on the national tour of Disney's THE LION KING. White is the Director of Musical Theatre and producer of Broadway Tonight! at the University of Central Oklahoma, and has travelled the country as a performer on multiple national tours. McCook was recently seen in Lyric's production of LES MISERABLES (Marius) and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Henrik).

Designs for this new production are by Adam Koch, whose scenic work at Lyric includes TARZAN, SWEET CHARITY, and BIG RIVER, and Lyric's resident costume designer Jeffrey Meek, whose credits include LES MISERABLES, OKLAHOMA!, and OLIVER!. Lyn Cramer, a Weitzenhoffer Endowed Professor at the University of Oklahoma, is choreographing the production. David Andrews Rogers, who has worked with Lyric for over the past 20 years, will music direct. The creative team also includes lighting design by Helena Kuukka, sound design by Eileen Smitheimer, properties design by Courtney Strong, and stage management by Julie Meyer.

Tickets to all of Lyric's 2015 shows are available, and start at $25. Purchase tickets by visiting Lyric's box office at 1727 NW 16th Street, calling (405) 524-9312 or visiting LyricTheatreOKC.com.

Founded in 1963, Lyric is Oklahoma's leading professional theatre company. For over 50 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites. Lyric produces four large-scale, fully orchestrated musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall each summer, as well as four smaller works at the Plaza Theatre during the spring, fall and winter. Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy is a professional training ground for students ages 5-18 offering classes in all aspects of musical theatre. Academy students have the opportunity to perform in two full-scale productions each year on the Plaza Theatre stage. For more information visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

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