Weekend Showcase: Park Center High School Presents “Big Fish”
Park Center High School students produce the musical “Big Fish,” which is about the reconciliation between a dying father and his son. The musical has two remaining performances, one is postponed until Friday, March 15, due to Saturday’s expected inclement weather.
Tall Tales
Tall tales are common among older generations. The musical “Big Fish” uses tall tales and music to weave a story about a father and his son. The son doesn’t always believe the tall tales his father tells him, but he eventually learns the stories are mostly true. Along the way, the father and son reconcile.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because the premise was also a Tim Burton movie starring Ewan McGregor.
“It’s very similar to the movie; it was just adapted for the stage,” says Kate Kallevig, the artistic director of Park Center’s production. “You are going to hear music that you didn’t hear in the movie, but the essential story line is almost exactly the same.”
Actor Benny Carroll plans the role of the father, Edward Bloom. He must play Bloom both as a young man and as a dying father.
“As time went on, I had to find a way to make them different from one another,” explains Carroll. “I am hoping people are inspired to tell stories for their kids.”
Students and staff hope the production inspires people to think about their legacy.
“We hope that people leave thinking about what their legacy will be as they leave this earth,” says Kallevig. “The story is about a father who just wants his son to be able to share the stories he shared with his son. We hope people will want to leave a legacy for those that are left on this earth.”
“Big Fish” runs at Park Center High School tonight, March 8, and Friday, March 15. Both shows are at 7 p.m.
