COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio kicked off its 40th season this weekend with the beloved musical "Big Fish."
"'Big Fish' is a fantastical musical following the story of Edward Bloom," explained Brian Gray who takes on the role of Edward. "We see him throughout different stages of his life, coming to terms with, kind of, the end of his life at one point."
The musical is based on the 2003 Tim Burton film of the same name which was, in turn, based on a 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace. The story explores the tales told by Edward to his son Will about growing up, leaving his hometown of Spectre, Alabama, his great love for his wife Sandra, and all of the magical mermaids, werewolves, giants and witches he claimed to have met along the way.
"This is one of those shows that really gets you thinking about family and how you exist within your family and the stories that your family tells and how you keep telling your family's story," said Alexa Baker who plays Sandra Bloom.
"Big Fish" is the first of five shows that make up The Contemporary's 2024-2025 season.
November will see "Wife of a Salesman" while December will bring the return of Angela Iannone's one-woman telling of "A Christmas Carol." A reimagining of "Hamlet" called "Fat Ham" takes the stage in March and the season will close out with the bittersweet musical "The Last Five Years" in April.
"Forty years of making theatre is something to be celebrated and, to kick it off with a show like 'Big Fish' that is just so full of magic and beauty and laughter and empathy...is just a really way to say, 'Hey, we're here and we're celebrating and, like, come celebrate with us and share a story with us,'" said Baker.
The cast of The Contemporary's "Big Fish" had the opportunity to speak with one of the creatives behind the musical. Andrew Lippa wrote the music and lyrics for the show and now lives here in Columbus.
Lippa was able to visit the theater and discuss the work with the company during their rehearsal process. Audience members will also have the opportunity to hear from the composer after the Sept. 19 performance when Lippa joins the company for a live talkback
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio's "Big Fish" runs through Sept. 29th at the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. For more information visit: https://www.thecontemporaryohio.org/.