By: Emily Hua, Staff Writer and Madeline Alvarez, Managing Editor
Newman’s Music Department typically performs a musical in the fall, but this year, it will be put on in the spring. This year’s musical is called “Big Fish,” and it will be staged in February.
“Big Fish” tells the story of Edward Bloom, a father who always tells fantastical tales about his life to his son, Will, a sceptic who starts to investigate his father’s stories when he becomes ill.
“Big Fish” is filled with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and inspired by the book written by John August.
“‘Big Fish’ is a heartfelt, powerful, and truly magical musical about fathers, sons and the stories that we use to define our identities,” said Deanne Zogleman, who is the director, choreographer and co-producer of the play.
Auditions for “Big Fish” were on Oct. 20 and 21, and the cast includes 10-12 students.
“These small cast editions have gained popularity since they are easier and more cost effective to produce since the pandemic hit,” Zogleman said.
Zogleman said that she decided to wait until the spring semester to put on the musical because of conflicts in schedules. She said that dividing rehearsals between the fall and spring semesters is working well so far, and that she might choose to direct musicals the same way in the future.
“We’re going to take the finals week off, and then they’re going to come back and rehearse that week after finals,” she said. “And then they’ll take the three weeks [of Winter Break] off, get everything memorized.”
Zogleman also said that she and her music director Paul Graves, who is the director of music at Haysville Middle School, are excited to be collaborating together as the creative team for the musical. The pair has previously collaborated on Newman productions of “Elf,” “Mamma Mia” and “Footloose.”
“Big Fish” stars senior Elijah Klein, junior Talia Powers, sophomore Austin Fullerton, senior Rebekah Lipinski and many more.
The show will be presented at 8 p.m. Feb. 3-5 and 2 p.m. Feb. 6 in the DeMattias Performance Hall.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Unsplash