Review: Hale Centre Theatre's BIG FISH is a Whopper of a Show

Hale Centre Theatre's memorable production of BIG FISH, directed by the extraordinary John Sweeney, features fantastic performances, a unique set design, and heartwarming family relationships.

BIG FISH (music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, book by John August), based on the novel and film of the same name, chronicles the many tall tales told by Edward Bloom to his son, Will, through the years. Now that he's grown, Will seeks to discover the true man behind his father's unbelievable stories.

The eclectic, genre-spanning anecdotes make for great entertainment, but if the musical focused a little less on them and a little more on the sweet frame story, it would perhaps be more successful. Still, as it is, there is plenty to appreciate in the larger-than-life concoction.

The actor portraying Edward Bloom would make or break any production of this musical. Fortunately, Rhett Richins (double cast with Douglas Irey) is more than capable of carrying the show on his shoulders. His acting is meticulous but relaxed as he portrays the multiple ages and facets of the character with ease. He becomes the many versions of Edward Bloom before our eyes. And the singing! Richins' mellifluous voice unfolds effortlessly and impeccably regardless of the song style. His is certainly one of the best musical theatre performances in Utah this year.

Gracefully keeping up with Richins' tour-de-force performance is Erin Royall Carlson's warm, accomplished portrayal of Sandra Bloom (double cast with Amanda Crabb). When their voices combine in the Act I closer "Daffodils," the eye-popping visuals (which are thrilling) can't hold a candle to the sheer power of their aural chemistry.

Andrew Robertson (double cast with Jacob Theo Squire) gives a pleasant, charismatic performance as Will Bloom. His appealing characterization and stage presence are key to his success in embodying the audience's curiosity, skepticism, and wonder at Will's father's tales.

Also giving memorable performances are Cameron Dietlein as Young Will Bloom (double cast with Dash Barlow), Cecily Ellis-Bills as Jenny Hill (double cast with Heather McDonald), Jaymie Lambson as Josephine Bloom (double cast with Becca Lichfield), Michael Hohl as Amos Calloway (double cast with David Stensrud), Sam Johnson as Karl the Giant (double cast with DRU), and Mackenzie Seiler as The Witch (double cast with Dawn Dietlein).

The choreography by Jennifer Hill Barlow adeptly adapts to many styles and is tightly performed, and the music direction by Kelly DeHaan shimmers. Costume designer Peggy Willis, along with hair and makeup designer Trisha Ison, must have had great fun designing the diverse looks required by Edward's stories, with their smart color-coordinated palettes. The same goes for lighting co-designers Adam Flitton and Michael Gray, who created colorful, fantastical moments and locations such as the Giant's lair but also applied white light to fog in beautiful, understated ways in the real-world scenes.

Set designer and technical director Kacey Udy, with help from assistant set designer Jennifer Taylor, has provided a lovely, aged wooden platform for the action, with a real stream of water running alongside it. Set elements float along the water to complement each scene, and when they make it to their intended destination on time, the effect is stunning and decidedly unique.

Both the performances and the design make this a not-to-be missed show, and the uplifting music and themes make the experience even more worth it.

BIG FISH plays through November 28, 2015. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.halecentretheatre.org.

Photo Credit: Pepperfox Photo. L-R Rhett Richins (Edward Bloom) and Cameron Dietlein (Young Will Bloom)

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