‘Big Fish’ at Alchemy Theatre

OC Theatre Guild
13 hours ago
4 min read

A whimsical invitation to see the best in others.

From left, Barry Ko and Angie Chavez. Photo courtesy of Katelyn Abaya

by Shannon Cudd

We all know that one person who embellishes every story they tell. On the surface, this can be an exhausting character trait because it feels like you can’t discern the truth. Now imagine this individual is your father. That’s the dilemma at the core of Alchemy Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “Big Fish.”

Based on both the 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 film of the same name, this musical tells the story of father-and-son duo Edward and Will Bloom. Edward sees the world through rose-colored glasses, making every day larger than life. His son Will is more pragmatic and serious. These conflicting worldviews create a tense relationship, further complicated by mortality and the passage of time.

For Artistic Director and director Jeff Lowe, this project is incredibly personal. He’s also performing as Older Edward and working with his own father on set design and construction. Lowe previously appeared in a production at Chance Theater.

“One of our generous donors saw that production, loved it and wanted to see it again,” Lowe explained. “For me and my father personally, the story is about his father. My grandfather, Tom, was in many ways much like Edward Bloom. Everyone loved him, he taught me how to fish, he fought an unfair cancer and when he passed, we returned his ashes to the river. For Dad and me, working on this show is also a way we keep him alive – telling stories of heroes not because of great deeds but because of great hearts.”

From left, Angie Chavez and Barry Ko. Photo courtesy of Katelyn Abaya

This show fits with Alchemy’s larger mission and ethos to introduce audiences to new works and help them see quality productions of classic favorites. Their location also inspires their season. “Being so close to the library, we wanted to select shows that also have a literary slant,” Lowe stated.

Edward’s stories are fantastical. There are witches, giants, floods and romance. This doesn’t make them disingenuous. In rehearsals, special care was given to maintain the truth in the spectacle. “We really started with the essence of the show,” Lowe mused. “Lippa’s music is expertly crafted in a way a lot of other shows don’t capitalize on anymore. We encouraged our cast to be invested in the world we are creating to make it feel lived in and taken care of, so the audience entrusts us to take care of them too.”

He can’t say enough good things about this talented cast, who are actively creating this magical story alongside him. “We really lucked out with casting. Them finding joy in the process has allowed our production team to do a lot of ‘love that, add it in.’ That is what you want from a cast. You start with the bones of the show – where it needs to go and how it wants to feel – but then your actors come through and flesh things out.”

Additionally, Lowe praised the designers, music director and choreographer. “Working with Jenny Schniepp for music and Jen Kornswiet for dance has been a dream,” he gushed.

“We have a great design team working around the clock to put something truly amazing together – from sets with the gorgeous shapes of our ‘river’ on stage from Liz Doubrovsky, to lights telling an emotional journey that blends realities we must accept and fantasies we need to be true with Campbell Hicks. Costume designer Ayrika Johnson is bringing vibrant beauty to the world, making this little slice of Americana feel like it really is for all of us, not just a moment trapped in time but a time we want to make real. Lauren Oh is creating some truly ingenious props to make the world feel both lived in and fresh.”

Although this musical deals with some heavy themes, there is much joy to be found in this production. “These are positive people,” Lowe explained. “It is not just about the difficult time that Edward, Will and their family are going through. It is primarily about how even through these hardships, their love for each other and celebration of life is what makes a life worth living.”

Lowe believes audiences should see this show because it has something for everyone. It will entertain, make you feel and make you think. “‘Big Fish’ is one of the most wonderful slept-on shows in quite some time. If theater is meant to evoke an emotional reaction, then you would be hard-pressed to find a better vehicle that is going to make you laugh, cry, surprise you and thrill you. It is a show that can be enjoyed by the whole family and provide meaningful conversation sprinkled with the whimsy we so desperately need these days,“ he concluded. “While other shows ask you to escape the real world for a few moments, we invite you to experience the world through Edward Bloom’s eyes, where we are all the best we can be.”