Step into the Magical World of Big Fish

At first glance, Saint Viator High School’s 60th anniversary musical, Big Fish, invites audiences into a magical world filled with giants and witches, mermaids and circuses, as told by the show’s leading character, Edward Bloom, played by Joe Kaiser ’26.

Yet, these larger-than-life stories create tension with his adult son, Will, played by Thomas Bollard ’26, who wants certainty and clarity. Even more, he wants to know the man behind these fanciful myths.

“What unfolds between them is not just a clash of personalities,” says Director Megan Gray, “but a collision between two ways of seeing the world: one rooted in imagination, the other in realism.”

Saint Viator’s production of Big Fish takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 5, 6, and 7 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 8. 

The musical is based on Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, before Tim Burton directed the film version in 2003. It debuted on stage in 2013 at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre as a try-out version, before advancing to Broadway that same year.

Saint Viator’s cast features experienced seniors in its principal roles, including Joe Kaiser, who is coming off his performance in the All-State Theatre Production of Newsies, Thomas Bollard as his son, Will, as well as Katie Strzyzynski as Edward’s wife, Sandra, and Elle Hohmeier as the Witch, who shows Edward his future at the beginning of the show. 

“This has by far been the hardest role I have been cast in, in any production I have been a part of,” says Thomas, who is working to portray the complexities of this father-son relationship.

Even more than the characterization, Thomas says he is challenged by the music in the show. He sings several key songs that define his strained relationship with his father, Edward. His primary musical numbers include Stranger, Showdown (with Edward), and What’s Next (with Edward), highlighting his journey toward understanding his father's whimsical life stories. 

Katie also says portraying the rich characterization of Sandra during important stages in her life – from college to marriage to motherhood -- has been difficult but satisfying as her senior year musical.

“Depicting how she grows from her younger to older self during these stages of her life has been such a fun and rewarding challenge,” Katie says.

Students have worked on all aspects of the show, from creating the fanciful set and costumes to the sound and lighting design, playing in the pit orchestra, and portraying the characters on stage.

“I think audiences will love the beautiful set, staging, costuming, music, and choreography,” Katie says.

Thomas agrees but adds that he hopes the musical and its themes will stay with audiences long after they leave the theatre.

 “What I hope audiences take away is the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on our relationships with others,” Thomas says. “Telling stories is a unique way to share ourselves with our friends and family.”

Ms. Gray says she hopes audiences consider the power of storytelling as acts of love, as people cope with fear, celebrate joy, and leave something behind when words alone are not enough.