Earlier I posted a very simple post in response to seeing BIG FISH tonight. It was short and to the point, but I really feel I need to expand on that phrase so you all will make an effort to arrange your schedules to get your butts over to St. Lukes to see this holy shit production. Last year, when I had the profound pleasure of being in the company of RAGTIME at St. Lukes I didnt think it would be even remotely possible to top that. That score, that story, that level of talent. I truly believed I had witnessed Steve MacKinnon at the top of his game. Really. Where DO you go from RAGTIME? When I first listened to the original cast recording of BIG FISH, I hated it. I turned it off. To this day, I have never finished it. But after tonight and seeing this stunning sight for sore eyes, I may have to revisit the cast recording. Of course, Ill probably hate it--because it wont be the people whose voices I heard tonight. The physical production--costumes, scenic, lighting, projection, and sound--is breathtaking. It still shocks me that the quality Im seeing onstage is on a temporary stage in a GYM. Its unbelievable. John Roberts (scenery), Jeremy Durden (projections), Molly Walz and Aj Garcia (costumes), Jim Ohrberg and Jennifer Gazdecki (lighting), and Vince Lepore and Steven Leonard (audio) are all to be commended/given a massive standing ovation for bringing Broadway quality design to a GYM. Its been years since Ive seen the film, and Ive never read the book by Daniel Wallace, but tonight made me want to revisit the movie and read the novel. But even watching the movie, Im not sure Id be able to eliminate the images of a wonderful Sean Philibin, a heartbreakingly earnest Erik Nelson, or a devastatingly haunting Shannon Bilo. Going to see friends in shows can be a challenge because its hard to suspend disbelief that you are seeing anyone other than your friend. In BIG FISH, I was never just watching my awesome friends--I was watching total inhabitation. My disbelief was more than suspended; my disbelief was in awe at the craftsmanship of some incredibly talented people. I could wax poetical for a couple more paragraphs--but I wont. I will comment on the outstanding supporting company including the brilliant Matt Stevens, Hannah Berry Matthews, Shannon Springer, Clarissa Hope, and CJ Sikorski. I will tell you that the orchestra--a REAL LIVE ORCHESTRA!!!--under the direction of music director David Patrick sounds out of this world. And I will tell you that the choreography of Spencer Morrow is inventive, playful, and meaningful. And lastly, I will say that I have never been prouder to know and love Steve MacKinnon than after seeing his work on this show tonight. Its clear that it wasnt work in the technical term; it was heart and soul. Bravo. BIG FISH plays this weekend and next. I hope to see it again maybe Thursday. Who wants to join me? GO SEE IT!
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 05:56:29 +0000
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