“My father and I
were like strangers that knew each other very well.” (Big Fish) The excitement
of seeing a product before it goes to Broadway may lead to disappointment. The
Adams Family after its pre-Broadway run in Chicago changed much of the story by
the time it arrived on Broadway. To know that your reaction to these shows
actually helps form them gives you a sense of being part of the creative
process. With that being said, I would like to express my concern for the show.
The
first act of the show was a bunch of stores that an old man tells his son. No
common thread except for the fathers overwhelming ability to make a simple
story a fantastical story that has everyone hooked. The first act felt like
CATS, nothing truly bringing these stories together, no purpose no reason for
the audience to stay past intermission. I thought about leaving at intermission
but felt that there had to be more to this story in order for them to make it
into a musical, so I stayed.
The
second act is where all of the important story content is. It is where you
learn the son’s true desire to know his father, and a father’s reason for such
fantastical tales. I am not sure if there was a dry eye in the audience by the
end of the show, as the touching moments at the end are those of a son
realizing the fathers need for this stories were not to hide the truth but to
inspire and drive the son to greatness.
While
the product 5 weeks into pre-views was plagued with sound issues, a few minor
staging issues, and a long production time (2hours 30 minute, not counting
intermission) it is a great production. I hope that when they arrive on
Broadway that they can find some cliff hanger to hold audiences over to the
second act that will ensure that everyone sees the wonderful acting, directing
and the final breath taking story.
Big Fish on Broadway will be a must
see, hopefully with a few Tony nominations. While I do not think it will last
as long as some shows I think it will have a few good years. If possible I would return to see it before I leaves Chicago. I hope that it again will grace a Chicago stage for its national tour as I would enjoy the chance to witness it again.
http://www.bigfishthemusical.com/
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