BIG FISH
Directed by Tammy Modica
Music Direction by Joseph Canessa
Choreographed by Shannon Gicker
Produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide
Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, BIG FISH is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that's richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.
Rehearsal Dates:
March 22 - May 26, 2016
(A schedule will be distributed at the first rehearsal.)
Performance Dates:
May 27 & 28, 2016 and June 3 & 4, 2016 at 8:00pm
May 29 & June 5, 2016 at 3:00pm
No conflicts accepted for Performance Dates or the week before Opening. Strike follows the closing performance on June 5th - all cast is required to stay and assist.
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Audition Requirements:
Prepare 1 minute of a contemporary musical theater song for the primary audition, and bring a second selection as a backup. PLEASE DO NOT SING A SONG FROM THE SHOW. Bring a CD with an accompaniment-only track; an accompanist will NOT be provided. A cappella auditions are not recommended, but acceptable if need be. Please also wear or bring comfortable dance attire, as all auditioners will be required to learn a short dance/movement combination; there will also be cold reading from the script.
All those auditioning are encouraged to provide a résumé of their onstage experience. Please bring a list of all potential conflicts including travel, etc. Any conflicts with the posted schedule must be discussed with the Director before casting can be confirmed. “Open Call” auditions. No appointment necessary. Pay is cast profit-share of ticket sales.
Plot Summary:
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed Columbia Pictures film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to discover the secrets his father never revealed.
For more information:
Email [email protected]
Character Breakdown:
EDWARD BLOOM (present): Older man (present day, 50-65 yrs old). Edward is a charming, charismatic storyteller. A devoted yet absent father nearing the end of his life and wanting to reconnect with his son. He is comfortable in his own skin, but hopes for Will’s approval. He absolutely loves his wife, his son, and telling stories. Needs a big voice and serious character acting. Able to move but little real dance.; Baritone
EDWARD BLOOM (young): Young man (actor ages 16-35 yrs old). Young Edward is an enthusiastic, optimistic, energetic romantic. He needs to steal our hearts and make us buy into the fabulous myths that he enters. He is the quintessential hometown boy hero. Needs a big voice. Plays ages ranging from high school to late 20s/ early 30s. Very good mover.; Baritone
WILL BLOOM (present): Adult (20‐30 yrs old). Will is a critical part of the story. He is an earnest, serious, thoughtful young man wanting to reconnect with his storytelling father, but unable to appreciate Edward’s romantic view of life. He is a successful professional and new husband. He has to able to take us on the journey of understanding and make us believe the complex relationship and final heartfelt embrace of his father’s legacy. No dance. Serious character acting.; Tenor
WILL BLOOM (young): 8-12 yrs old; Spoken/Minimal singing
SANDRA BLOOM (present): Older woman (present day, 45‐55 yrs old). Sandra is patient, calm – the perfect balance to Edward's enthusiasm. She adores and appreciates Edward and tries to bring reconciliation to her husband and son, both of whom she loves. Needs a mellow ballad voice. Very little movement.; Mezzo-Soprano
SANDRA BLOOM (young): Young woman (actor ages 18‐30). Young Sandra is a lovely, sweet, fresh-faced, innocent young girl excited by the possibilities of life. She appreciates Edward’s romantic viewpoint. Needs a big voice, expressive acting ability, and a good bit of dance ability.
JOSEPHINE BLOOM: Will’s wife. (25-30 yrs old) Successful adult, sweet, intelligent, and organically compatible with Will. Josephine acts as the bridge between Edward and Will, explaining the deeper meaning of the stories. Often on stage. Spoken/Minimal singing. No dance. Serious character acting.
KARL THE GIANT: The Giant. (18‐40 yrs old). Edward’s best friend. Karl is shy, exceptionally intelligent, hermit‐ like, and has a quiet charisma. He needs a booming voice and large personality. Needs to be decently tall, but not a “giant.” Ability to walk on stilts.; Bass
AMOS CALLOWAY/DR. BENNETT
Amos - Circus owner (45-65 yrs old). Amos is the rather eccentric, quirky owner of the circus that employs young Edward. He also happens to be a werewolf (in Edward’s tales). Needs an actor able to portray strong, outgoing personality and humor. Doesn’t need to move, but good stage presence essential. Character voice.; Baritone
Dr Bennett - Older man (55‐75 yrs old). Warm, kind, frank, soft-spoken friend and physician of Edward. Needs realistic actor. No singing or dancing necessary.
DON PRICE: Older snarky bully. (high school, college, and mayor, actor ages 16‐45 yrs old). Sandra’s first fiancé. Needs a bigger than life acting style. Possible movement but not crucial.; Baritone
THE WITCH: Adult female (20‐40 yrs old). Commanding performer with great confidence and storytelling ability. She convinces Edward to pursue a Big Life without fear. Needs belt voice, mezzo soprano. Some dance, could be extensive.
JENNY HILL: (actor ages 16‐30 yrs old) Edward’s devoted, first girlfriend. She is beautiful, a dreamer, maybe a little blonde. Present Day - Very tired, disillusioned version of the younger Jenny. She has dignity and honesty. She is crucial in helping Will understand Edward and Edward’s motivations. Needs loud belt. Some movement, and serious acting needed. Also included in ensemble.; Mezzo-Soprano
ZACKY PRICE/MAYOR:
Zacky - Adult male (high school, college, and later, 16-30 yrs old). Nerdy brother and shadow of Don Price.; Tenor
Mayor - Adult male (30‐60 yrs old). Typical small town good‐guy mayor personality.
ALABAMA LAMBS: Two of Sandra’s friends (15‐25 yrs old). Perform with Sandra at the circus. Needs strong singing and dancing skills.
FISHERMAN: Adult male (18‐35 yrs old). Hometown redneck. Needs strong singing and dancing skills.
GIRL IN THE WATER/MERMAID: 18-30 yrs old
ENSEMBLE: Assorted ages. All sing and move. Some individuals will do extensive dance, but not all.
