Thursday, January 26, 2017
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Top Hat Productions will open a three-weekend run of “Big Fish” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, at Fairview Arts and Outreach Center, 4220 Youngstown-Poland Road.
“Big Fish” is based on the life of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest. His incredible stories thrill everyone around him, most of all his devoted wife.
However, the coupe’s frustrated son, who is about to have a child of his own, is determined to learn the truth behind his father’s epic tales, and embarks on a journey of his own to find who his father really is. As the man behind the myth is unveiled, we are given an emotional, intimate look at the father-son bond.
Principle cast members include Brian Palumbo (Edward Bloom), Anthony Villa (Will Bloom), Marlene Figley (Sandra Bloom), Stacy Anderson (Josephine Bloom) and Grayson Montoya (Young Will). Rounding out the cast are Carter Cain, Tierney Chesney, Julie DeSalvo, Greg Endsley, Angel Febres, Elainie Huncik, Heather Jones, Taeshawn Madison, Kaleb McFarland, Julie Palumbo, Christopher Scott, Brittany Leah Storey, Emma Wason, Rebecca Williams and Tylor Zuniga.
“The production is true to life, as no matter what the story, we carefully pick the ones that we share to help to form how others see us,” said Brian Palumbo, who is also the director. “I think Edward Bloom states it well when he says when you tell my story, and I hope somebody does, remember me as bigger than I was.”
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.
Tickets are $17.50 (15.50 for seniors), plus service fee. For reservations, go to tophatproductions.org or call 800-838-3006.
The musical is based on Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel “Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions,” and features music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony nominee Andrew Lippa. It was adapted from the book by John August, most famous for his “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”