Rollicking Fantasy to Splash into BPA with BIG FISH

Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) presents BIG FISH, running May 12 - 28 (playing Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. + Sundays at 3:00 p.m.; Pay-What-You-Can Preview: Thursday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Opening Night Reception: Friday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m.).

BIG FISH is a new Broadway musical featuring music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by esteemed screenwriter John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).

Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, this rollicking fantasy set in the American South reminds us why we love going to the theatre - for an experience that's richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.

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 - most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.

Director Ken Michels' impressive list of credits includes past BPA hits Mary Poppins, The Full Monty, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Shrek, Avenue Q, and Monty Python's Spamalot. Michels is joined by Musical Director Aimee Hong, who describes herself as one part Teaching Artist, one part Voice Teacher, and one part Music Director. An Adjunct Music Faculty member at Bellevue College, Aimee also teaches for The Seattle Symphony, Studio East, and Village Theatre. Choreographer Heather Dawson's work has been seen in BPA Theatre School's Seussical, Monty Python's Spamalot, and Mary Poppins, and she was also seen dancing in The Drowsy Chaperone.

The dynamic directing trio leads an exciting cast featuring BPA newcomer Jason Gingold as Edward Bloom, plus Ryan Patrick O'Donnell (Will Bloom), Kylee Gano (Sandra Bloom), Tori Konig (Josephine Bloom), Julian Mudge-Burns (Young Will), Jayln Green (Amos Calloway), Elizabeth Dangelo (Jenny Hill), Colleen Gillon (The Witch), Max Lopuszynski (Karl), Lance Valdez (Don Price / Dance Ensemble), Teagan Howlett (Mermaid / Dance Ensemble), Robert Craighead (Doctor Bennett / Dance Ensemble), Rico Lastrapes (Zacky Price / Dance Ensemble), and Michael Loudon (Ashton Mayor / Ensemble), and additional ensemble members including Sophie Eldridge, Cordelia Janow, Matt Howe, Kevin Tanner, Lucien Caro, Ben Eldridge, Pete Simpson, Forrest Blair, Kate Pippinger, Becky Eastguard, Sarah Taylor, Hailey McCulloch, and Ruth Urbach.

BIG FISH appears at BPA May 12 - 28, with evening shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. The run includes a Pay-What-You-Can Preview on Thursday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m., and the Opening Night Reception is Friday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, $29 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $21 for students, youth, military, and teachers, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569, or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance. BIG FISH is produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide and is suitable for ages 12 and older.

BPA is supported, in part, by Bainbridge Community Foundation and One Call for All. Bainbridge Performing Arts is pleased to offer an "Open Doors" program. Free and reduced-cost tickets to most events are available to community members in need through our partner Helpline House thanks to grants from BCF, the Mabee Family Foundation, and the Alder Fund at the Bainbridge Community Foundation. Please contact the BPA Box Office at 206.842.8569 or Helpline House to reserve tickets today.

Find out more about BPA at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, or check us out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BPAonline and www.facebook.com/BainbridgeSymphonyOrchestra), follow Bainbridge Performing Arts on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/bainbridge-performing-arts) and Twitter (@BPAPresents). Check online for the latest on theatre and symphony auditions, complete theatre school and adult class offerings, performance listings, tickets, promos, and more. Go to "About BPA" and click on "Get Our Newsletter" to receive electronic performance announcements and behind-the-scenes news.

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