The Wetumpka Depot Players will reprise "Big Fish the Musical" for 11 performances beginning Sept. 16.
The story is based on Daniel Wallace's 1998 novel, “Big Fish: A novel of Mythic Proportions,” and the 2003 film written by John August and directed by Tim Burton. With music and lyrics from Andrew Lippa, this production will run through Oct. 2.
"Big Fish" is full of humor, heart and intriguing stagecraft. The story focuses on the complex father/son relationship between Edward Bloom and his son, Will. Edward, a traveling salesman and storyteller of epic tales is coming to terms with his own mortality while Will must reconcile his upbringing in preparation for becoming a father. Audiences will delight in Edward's tales of the local witch, a circus ringmaster turned werewolf, a giant named, Karl and a trip to Auburn University where he falls in love with the prettiest girl on The Plains.
"This musical stayed in my heart after we produced the show in collaboration with the Wetumpka High School Theatre Guild in 2019," said Kristy Meanor, Depot Artistic Director and Big Fish director. "Every element of this musical reminds me of why it's so important to be back in a theatre again, experiencing the magic of storytelling with the community. And the timing is perfect, after HGTV's Hometown Takeover, to revisit Daniel Wallace's masterpiece that helped put Wetumpka on the map."
Meanor is sharing production duties with Musical Director Randy Foster and Choreographer Daniel Harms, both of whom return from the original run. The cast is a blend of both original company members and new cast and crew. Returning cast members from 2019 include, Chris Kelly as Edward Bloom, Shephard Grier as young Will, Desirae Lewis as the Witch and Cushing Phillips as Amos Calloway.
Tickets are $15 at wetumpkadepot.com. The Depot is reducing capacity size and asks audiences to wear masks. The theatre is located at wetumpkadepot.com at 300 South Main Street in historic downtown Wetumpka.
