Real-Life Fiances Lead Star of the Day's BIG FISH: THE MUSICAL

When it comes to onstage or onscreen romance, chemistry is key. In the Star of the Day Productions upcoming production of Big Fish: The Musical, opening at McCoole's Arts & Events Place on September 23, audiences can see true love at work as Doug Theye-Ace, who plays Edward Bloom, stars opposite of his real life fiancée Nina Elias.

Doug and Nina met during a production of Thoroughly Modern Millie in PA Playhouse in Bethlehem, PA. Over four years later, Doug took Nina on a date to see a local production there and, at the conclusion of the show, Doug took the stage and got down on one knee to propose to Nina. She said YES! Now, the two star opposite each other as husband and wife in a musical sure to make audiences also fall in love with them.

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH centers on Edward, a traveling salesman who lives life to the fullest. And it's no different in real life.

"I knew Doug was special the moment I met him. And no matter what has happened over the past four and a half years, all signs have always pointed right to him," says Elias, who plays Sandra. "The same is true for Edward and Sandra. Edward falls for her at first glance, and it takes him three years to even get to see her face-to-face. But his love for her keeps growing, no matter what obstacles he faces.

"Telling this story with my best friend and fiancé is both effortless and thrilling. My emotions on stage are that much more real, and it is so fun to conjure up the same butterflies I felt over four years ago during our sweet courtship."

Director Daniel Petrovich is making his Star of the Day directorial debut. The cast also features Zach Petrovich (Will Bloom), Melissa Gump (Josephine Bloom), Mason Steltz (Young Will), Curtis Filchner (Karl), Kirsten Almeida (The Witch), Benjamin Ruth (Amos Calloway/Dr. Bennett), David Erb (Don Price), Cheryl Cusati (Jenny Hill), John Corl (Zacky Price/Mayor), and Stacey Ziegler (The Girl in the Water). It is musically directed by Oliver Blatt, choreographed by Kirsten Almeida, and stage managed by Alexis Leon. The cast and creative team is made up of local, Lehigh Valley actors.

BIG FISH has Book by John August. Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August. Directed by Daniel Petrovich, Musically Directed by Oliver Blatt, Choreographed by Kirsten Almeida, and Stage Managed by Alexi Leon. This play is for everyone ages 7 and up.

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest... and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him - except for his son Will. Edward has spent a lifetime encouraging his son to dream bigger, but Will insists on keeping his feet on the ground, until one last epic tale changes everything. Overflowing with heart, humor and magic, BIG FISH is adapted from the hit Broadway musical, just for our family audiences.

Performances play McCoole's Arts & Events Place, 10 S. Main St. 2nd Floor, Quakertown, PA 18951, September 23 - October 8, 2016. Tickets range $18 - $25 (plus fees). Call 484-809-9228 or online at www.ticketor.com/staroftheday.org or at the door the evening of the performance at McCoole's Arts & Events Place.

We are a full service entertainment company whose mission is to entertain, educate, and encourage the community through music, theater, and dance. They were founded in 2011 as a cabaret company and have expanded to full productions at McCoole's Arts & Events Place. 2016 is their second season in the intimate black box style theater in Quakertown, PA. They thrive to present Broadway quality productions at Main Street prices.

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