Based on the book by North Carolina's own Daniel Wallace and the hit movie - Big Fish tells the story of a father with incredible, larger-than-life stories and his son who is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.
Roy C. Dicks, News Observer: Timothy Gulan's Edward runs the gamut from garrulous and dominating to loving and tender, an engagingly flawed character. Chris Dwan's Will is sympathetically frustrated and confused, moving in his ultimate understanding of his father's love. Lauren Kennedy makes an extremely sympathetic Sandra, Edward's wife. All three have strong voices that shine, despite Andrew Lippa's uninspired songs, while they make the most of John August's pithy, witty dialog.
Melanie Simmons, Triangle A&E: Under the musical direction of Ethan Anderson, the songs were spot-on key and carried well in the space. The intricate choreography of Abbey O'Brien greatly enhanced the performance, letting the story dance around as needed and keeping the energy high. And costume designer Meg Powers (with wigs by Elizabeth Printz) designed a wonderful wardrobe that helped main and supporting characters alike transform through time, space, and imagination.
Byron Woods, Indy Week: The production abounds with vivid supporting work. Areon Mobasher's enigmatic ringmaster, Amos; Paul Hinkes's larger-than-life take on Karl the Giant; and Chanda Branch's demanding Witch buttress more familial roles: Lauren Kennedy as Edward's wife, Sandra; Shanelle Nicole Leonard as onetime girlfriend Jenny Hill; and Keegan Story's scene-stealing Young Will. Imaginative staging and sentiment make this semi-Southern musical one from the heart. Recommended.
Lauren Van Hemert, BroadwayWorld: Gulan's charismatic Bloom exudes a boyish charm and energy that makes it easy to buy the bill of goods he is selling. Lauren Kennedy's winsome performance as Bloom's wife Sandra is enchanting and heartfelt and reminds us that beyond her role as Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh, she is a Broadway star in her own right. Dwan, as Will, holds his own against the veteran leads and sings with a clarity that resonates throughout The Kennedy Theatre. And the strong supporting ensemble cast sing and stomp their way through Andrew Lippa's perky score and Abbey O'Brien's choreography with an eagerness that is infectious.
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