BIG FISH Opens Tomorrow at Music Theatre Wichita

Music Theatre Wichita continues its 44th summer season with Andrew Lippa and John August's Big Fish the musical, a stage adaptation based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and subsequent Tim Burton film.

The production stars Vincent Corazza (Rocky) as traveling salesman Edward Bloom, leading lady Kim Huber (Beauty and the Beast, Sunset Boulevard, Marie Christine) as his wife Sandra, and Skyler Adams (Pippin First National Tour) as their son Will. Other featured roles include Timothy Hughes (Chaplin: The Musical) as Karl the Giant, and summer resident

company members Carolyn Anne Miller as Jenny Hill, Christiani Pitts as Will's wife Josephine, and Ximone Rose as The Witch.

Big Fish is directed by MTWichita producing artistic director Wayne Bryan, with choreography by Peggy Hickey (A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder) and her assistant Ricky Bulda, with musical direction by Thomas W. Douglas. It plays July 22-26 at Century II Concert Hall in Wichita.

The production includes the original costume design of William Ivey Long. Music Theatre Wichita's artistic team include hair and makeup Designer Taylor Malott, lighting designer David Neville, sound designer David Muehl, projections designer Timothy Babb, and properties master Maria Leon.

Andrew Lippa visited Wichita last May for some musical theatre workshops, and to share insights with artistic staff and patrons. In an interview with Wichita's KMUW radio, he spoke to the universal nature of the story. "Edward is an embellisher; he's a born storyteller...he stands there in front of all the people who love him, and he sings, 'I know I wasn't perfect, I know my life was small, I know that I pretended that I knew it all. But when you tell my story, and I hope somebody does, remember me as something bigger than I was.' And for me, that's something I truly feel," Lippa said. "I feel like that was what my father wanted as well. I think that's what many people want, to be acknowledged that we did the best we could, but when you talk about me, just make it a little bit better. Not completely crazy better. Just a little bit better."

Tickets are on sale now for all performances, either online at mtwichita.org, or by calling 316.265.3107. More information, including biographies, histories, and a "Sneak Peek" video, can be found at www.MTWichita.org.

Music Theatre Wichita has earned a reputation as one of the foremost summer opportunities for young upcoming talents. This year's Tony Awards featured several former MTWichita alumni, including Tony winner Kelli O'Hara, Tony host Kristin Chenoweth, and Jersey Boys co-star Matt Bogart, along with choreographer Josh Prince (It Shoulda Been You), associate choreographers Dontee Kiehn (An American in Paris) and John MacInnis (Something Rotten), and performers in On the 20th Century, The King and I, The Visit, Gigi, Something Rotten, Finding Neverland, and many more. Founded in 1972, MTWichita has created the world premiere of the revised Good News!, the U.S. premiere of Betty Blue Eyes, and the regional premieres of such Disney titles as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and High School Musical. MTWichita has also created cast albums for Honk! and Good News!