Big Fish (birthday, part one)

Big Fish

Book by John August, Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Neil Simon Theatre, New York, NY

October 19, 2013 2:00pm

Taped to every seat in the Neil Simon Theatre were surveys for audience members to complete, and they asked for answers both before and after the performance. As I've always been an eager and know-it-all student, I began almost immediately. Following general demographic information were questions about our reasons for choosing this particular show. The first option: because it stars Norbert Leo Butz. The second: because it was directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. There were at least fifteen more reasons to choose from, and we were told to choose the top three. Having two of my top three given right away made me feel simultaneously justified and less unique. Even though I went into this show with a little skepticism, an afternoon with Norbert is unlikely to disappoint (unless it's Catch Me If You Can, but that wasn't his fault). My third reason for choosing this show is that it's a new musical, and there weren't many of those for me to choose from on this trip (because Kinky Boots was sold out when I tried to buy tickets).

My skepticism had a couple of causes: first, I didn't love the film version of Big Fish. I liked it; I thought it was fine. These aren't big reasons for me to seek out a show. But the main reason I was unsure is Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. I saw The Addams Family with students in 2011, and there were some great things about that show. We loved Rachel Potter as Wednesday Addams; Bebe Neuwirth; I got to meet Heidi Blickenstaff for a second time; and the Addams family are quirky and beloved characters. But with some notable bright spots, the music is mostly insipid. I found myself repeatedly wishing I could subtly look at my program to figure out how much more I had to sit through.

With those reservations, I was understandably unsure about Big Fish. By the end of the opening number, I saw the production is beautiful. The choreography and direction is seamless, the costumes clever, and the characters engaging. The music didn't hit all the right emotional notes, but it was adequate.

By the end of the second act, however, none of that mattered. The heart of this story as told by these actors is composer-proof. There was a point where I found myself with tears running freely down my face, wondering how to surreptitiously get tissues out of my purse. The only sounds from the audience were sniffles and sobs from all around. At the end of the day, we all cared much more about Edward Bloom and his son Will than about any flaws in the production or score. In terms of emotional impact, this show captured its audience more than any other I've seen in a while. See it when you have the chance.

And if you get to see Norbert as Edward Bloom, so much the better for you.