Overview
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton with a screenplay by John August, BIG FISH is a fantastical, heartwarming musical that follows the life of Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman whose larger-than-life stories captivate everyone around him—especially his loving wife, Sandra. But their son, Will, about to become a father himself, is determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s epic tales. As Will embarks on a journey to understand the man behind the myth, BIG FISH explores the power of storytelling, family bonds, and the search for identity.
With its soaring score, unforgettable characters, and a blend of humour and heartfelt emotion, BIG FISH offers an extraordinary theatrical experience that celebrates the joy of life, the importance of family, and the beauty of the stories we tell. Perfect for any stage, BIG FISH will enchant audiences with its dazzling spectacle and timeless themes, making it a perfect choice for theatres seeking a musical that’s as rich and inspiring as life itself.
BIG FISH School Edition has been adapted from the original Broadway production. The School Edition has been carefully edited, with additional director’s notes throughout, to make the show more producible for secondary school and college groups/performers. Song keys have been adjusted to sit more comfortably in the range of secondary school and college performers. In some cases, problematic language has been changed, while in others an alternate choice is offered at the discretion of the director.
Casting & Production
Casting
Edward Bloom
Will Bloom
Sandra Bloom
Young Will
Josephine Bloom
Karl the Giant
Amos Calloway
Don Price
The Witch
Jenny Hill
Girl in the Water
Dr. Bennett
Zacky Price
Dancing Fire
The Alabama Lambs
Mayor
Fisherman
Flexible Ensemble:
Wedding Guests, New Yorkers, Citizens of Ashton, Circus Performers
Orchestral Information
14 Musicians
Piano/Conductor (Keyboard 1)
Keyboard 1, Keyboard 2, Reed 1 (Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax), Reed 2 (Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Bassoon), French Horn, Trumpet (Bb Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Optional Piccolo Trumpet), Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar 1 (Steel String Acoustic, Nylon Acoustic, Electric, Dobro, Mandolin, Banjo & Tenor Banjo), Guitar 2 (Steel String Acoustic, Nylon Acoustic, Archtop, & Electric), Bass (Electric, Acoustic), Drums (Drum set, Mark Tree, Bongos, Triangle, Djembe, Tambourine, Shaker, Temple Blocks, Bell Tree, Pad, Woodblock, Cowbell, Rattle), Percussion
Credits
BIG FISH
Book by JOHN AUGUST
Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA
Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
Media
Authors
Upcoming Productions
Curtain Call
Kokomo, IN
Wylie East High School
Wylie, TX
Triple Threat Theater
Valley Center, KS
Resources
