Review: BIG FISH at Gooseberry Park Players

The annual Gooseberry Park Players summer production had its opening night. This year co-directors Darcy & Lauren Brandenburg decided to tackle Big Fish this year. This show isn't as well-known as
others. The stage isn't as big as others. The production isn't as flashy as others. But the cast, crew and orchestra have put together a great production that tells a very powerful story

Dads especially might want to bring some extra Kleenex to the show.
For those unfamiliar with the story, it's actually based on the 2003 Tim Burton movie of the same name, which was based on the 1998 Daniel Wallace novel with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom and his adult son Will, it shifts between 2 two timelines featuring present day and also the past.

I do have to mention that I had never seen the movie or a stage production of this. So I went in not knowing what to expect. A few of the cast really stood out, first of all Joey Wilhelmi as Edward Bloom. Joey is going into his senior
year at Fargo South. This young man was very believable as Edward in any age he portrayed. His comedy and singing were both very impressive. I absolutely loved his performance of "Fight the Dragons" with Isaac Leiseth as Young Will.

Jason Diers as Will was one of my favorites. Jason will be in 11 th grade at Davies this fall. This character had such a range of emotions and I believed every minute of it. His singing was on point and one of the final scenes between Will and Edward (What's next) was so emotionally powerful that I don't think there was a dry eye in the place.

Avery Hoffman as Sandra, Avery will be in 11 th grade at Davies also this fall. WOW. What an amazing voice. I only wish we got to hear more of her. Avery absolutely owned the stage in every scene she was in. Her emotion came through in every song, and her performance of "I don't need a roof" gave me chills.

There were so many supporting cast and ensemble members that helped bring this show to life. I think I say this in almost every review I do, but the talent in the community is unbelievable. I do have to be sure to mention the orchestra; the music is such an important part of the story. Director Casey Behm led an orchestra of 18 members, with a handful of them playing numerous instruments.

These kids really helped bring this story to life. You still have chances to see this show, and I urge you to do so. Like I mentioned, it's a very powerful and emotional story that deserves to be seen by many people.

Congrats to Gooseberry Park Players on another successful year.

**Photo Credits Gary Lura

http://www.gooseberryparkplayers.org/index.html