Review: Fall in Love with Big Fish at Theatre Arlington

Big Fish

Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Book by John August

Directed by Mark Mullino 

Music Director - Vonda K. Bowling

Produced by Theatre Arlington

Audience rating: PG

Running Time: 2.5 hours including 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not available

ASL Showing: Not available 

Sound Level: Comfortable

Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: none of note

Reviewed by Stacey Calvert

Adapted from the 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton movie of the same name, Big Fish is the story of an Alabama storyteller, Edward Bloom, whose fantastical tall tales of his “true” (?) life adventures drive this heartfelt musical. A night out at Theatre Arlington to see this whimsical show will be a night well spent!

The story moves back and forth through different periods in Edward’s life, from being a father to his young son Will, to toasting Will at his wedding, to Edward’s life as a teenager in a small town, then leaving that town to seek his fortune and find the love of his life, then to Edward’s later years as he deals with a serious illness. David Lugo gives Edward the folksy yet genuine charm and easy likability that’s essential to this role. A traveling salesman with a penchant for telling dad jokes and tall tales, Edward raises his son Will on a steady diet of fantastic stories involving witches, giants, mermaids and a circus showman/werewolf (played by a ensemble of talented triple threats; I particularly enjoyed Kevin Davis, Jr., who was quite funny in his various roles). Lugo and Wyatt Hartz as Young Will introduce us to these tales in “Be the Hero” and later in the exuberant  “Fight the Dragons.” As Edward ages and grapples with illness, a skeptical, adult Will (Esteban Vilchez) tries to come to terms with a father whose life seems to have been built on lies. Will is determined to separate fact from fiction and in the process finally gets to know his father and learns what’s really important. Vilchez artfully shows us his inner struggle through the emotion-filled song “Stranger.”

Romantics will especially appreciate the love story of how Edward meets his wife, Sandra (played by Cara Serber) and woos her, overcoming many obstacles along the way. The perfectly elegant Serber is excellent as always and shines as Sandra, particularly in Act 2 when she expresses her devotion to the ailing Edward in the lovely and moving “I Don’t Need a Roof.” I loved the intentionality of the glances between her character and Lugo’s when they first meet, letting the audience know that this is a moment they will both remember forever.

Perhaps my favorite part of the show was the dramatic “The River Between Us,” in which Edward and Will argue and acknowledge the rift that has grown between father and son. Their stormy relationship is echoed in the storm effects created by lighting designer Chris Trevino and sound designer Ryan Simón, with smart use of the spinning turntable to emphasize the growing distance between Edward and Will. Excellent work all around by the cast and creative team, and very effective.

I should mention that the show was further enhanced by a live band directed by Bowling (who also played keyboards) - a rare treat in the musical theatre scene in DFW!

This would be an excellent show to see as a family - although the littles may not appreciate fully what’s going on, kids 9 and up should enjoy it. If you like tall tales, inspiring music, heart-tugging emotion, and colorful characters, you’ll love Theatre Arlington’s production of Big Fish! Running August 9-25, 2024 Tickets can be purchased at https://theatrearlington.org/

On with the show,

Stacey Calvert