Lillith Dunn, Editor-in-Chief
eSomethin staff
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, Perrysburg High School’s theater department has one final show: “Big Fish”, which runs from April 23-26. Originally a novel, then a 2003 film by Tim Burton, this adapted musical tells a heartwarming story, with some craziness involved.
“Big Fish” follows Edward Bloom, a father who likes to tell tall tales, attempting to reconnect with his son Will Bloom after a falling out.
“[Will’s] father, Edward, is dying of cancer. . . . And Sandra finally tells Will and says ‘hey, meet your father where he is’,” explains Annabelle Bucko, a junior who plays Will’s mother, Sandra Bloom.
Strong personalities drive the conflict behind this musical, especially for the main characters.
According to senior Stephen Taylor, who plays the present version of Will Bloom, “he’s a realist. He is very stubborn.” This is the complete opposite of his father, Edward, who is known to be imaginative and a dreamer.
“He is always telling all these stories about himself, and the main conflict that we start to see . . . is that his son cannot figure out who he actually is,” senior Jordan Nahhas explained. Jordan Nahhas plays the present version of Edward in ‘Big Fish’.”
Sandra, according to Bucko, is the bridge between them, as well as the driving force behind their reunion.
In order to successfully run a musical this large, however, lots of practice is needed. The company has rehearsals almost daily to prepare for opening night.
Senior stage manager Helena Souza said, “during the rehearsal . . . I take blocking notes, so I got to know where every character leaves and enters the stage. . . . And when I’m working with crew, I just make sure they know what needs to be done . . . and I help them with answering any questions they may have.”
For the actors, rehearsals vary greatly. Some days include simply singing the songs, while others include running choreography and blocking. During the week before the show, the cast runs full-length rehearsals, working with the lighting crew to make sure all of the cues are correct.
This is no easy task.
“It really depends on the day, but it can be . . . very crazy. You’re running . . . you are never in one place for more than two seconds, and other days you’re just kind of there,” Jacob Nahhas, a senior who plays past Edward Bloom, stated.
The actors aren’t the only ones with difficult jobs. Luella Eynon, a junior on the costumes and makeup crew, explained, “there’s so many unique scenes and characters . . . and just a lot of moving pieces.”
Rehearsals are paying off, however, with lots of fun songs for the actors to participate in.
“[My favorite] one that I sing is ‘On The Road’. It’s a very, very fun song. . . . I’m just running around and talking about how you should . . . step outside . . . and do a bunch of other fun, zany stuff,” Jacob Nahhas stated.
Bucko explained, “I’m only in one dance. It’s called ‘Red, White, and True’, and honestly . . . I think it’s my favorite thing ever. There is tap, so I’m very excited.”
Despite being full of crazy stories and fun dance numbers, “Big Fish” carries a heartfelt message at its core.
“I think people will be surprised how emotional the show is . . . I remember our first read through a lot of people were crying,” Taylor said.
Eynon agreed, stating, “I really like the meaning of the show. . . . It really deals with the importance of the imagination, and that’s pretty special to me.”
With this being the final show of the year, emotions are running high among seniors for other reasons.
“It’s a little sad, but it’s definitely the perfect show to end on . . . because it’s all about telling stories,” Souza said.
Jacob Nahhas reflected, “I want to make an impact. . . . I want my performance in this show to feel . . . for the audience that they leave with something.”
So, why come see “Big Fish”? According to the cast, It is the perfect mix of chaotic fun and a genuine story.
“This is a really fun and bombastic and colorful show. But, it’s also not just pretty colors,” Jordan Nahhas explained.
“It’s by far one of the most incredible shows we’ve ever done. . . . It’s magical, it’s beautiful, and it’s definitely going to change you,” Souza concluded.
Other stories on eSomethin:
- What summer break means for students who benefit from school services
- OPINION: Students take risks to cheat on SATs, other tests
- Tall Tales and Big Emotions: “Big Fish” comes to Perrysburg Theater
- News, News, News: eSomethin’s Francesca Pallitta tries her version of parody news shows
- Travel to Rio on Budget: How Prom attendants can save money and have fun this year
