Chicago has witnessed several unique opportunities to stage shows that travel to Broadway after their preview in the Windy City. “Big Fish,” currently playing at the Oriental Theatre, is one such production. The vibrant and charismatic show is brimming with talent and provides an absolutely delightful experience from beginning to end.
“Big Fish” tells the tale of a boy named Will Bloom and his father Edward. Their relationship is tumultuous – Edward is an avid storyteller and his grandiosity troubles Will deeply. When his father falls ill, though, Will encounters mysterious information that leads him on a quest for the truth.
Though the central plot deals mainly with the relationship between father and son, the show is comprised largely of staged versions of the fantastical stories that Edward tells. They add an incredible color and rhythm to the show that makes it as entertaining as it is meaningful. The show molds a tale that transcends age as there is something enjoyable about it for everyone.
Visually, “Big Fish” is nearly flawless. Its set design and innovation is truly remarkable and molds an entirely new world that the audience can become engrossed in. It is impressive, but never distracting. Though the story chronicles fantastical occurrences like cities being swept away by water and giants existing in everyday life, they are all presented earnestly and honestly. They are poignant and fanciful rather than gaudy.
“The acting was incredible, but I was absolutely blown away by the set design,” said Andreas Tsironis, DePaul sophomore. “The show was touching, but it was also just so much fun to watch.”
Productions enable us to reflect back on our own reality while also providing an escape from everyday life. “Big Fish” masters this duality perfectly. Its emotion and experience resonate fully, though it also seems to take its viewer to another land completely.
Tony Award nominee Bobby Steggert portrays the maturing Will Bloom. He is delightfully energetic but his grounded nature counterbalances his father’s capricious ways perfectly. Will is the character to whom all of us can relate to in some way and Steggert takes him on brilliantly. His voice is angelic and his persona is surprisingly “down-to-earth.” Steggert is a rock in the midst of a whimsical show and undergoes a transformation that is real and touching.
Actor Norbert Leo Butz takes on the convoluted role of the older Edward Bloom. While Edward is bristly and difficult, Butz makes sure his audience sees the vulnerability that surrounds his narcissistic nature. Edward skirts the “unlikable” label narrowly, though never falls into this category. His arc is raw and real; while he is less relatable than Will, he is absolutely human and his catching energy is palpable. Though he plays only one character, he flips in and out of various ages and experiences so seamlessly and quickly that it is impressive to witness.
Behind “Big Fish” lays a real knack for storytelling. It is transformative, satisfying and possesses that rare ability to truly transport its audience to another world completely. It is full of talent and heart and provides the unique opportunity to witness a show that will soon be sharing its story on Broadway.
“Big Fish” will be at the Oriental Theatre through May 5.