The 2025/2026 theater season is off to strong start! There are big things happening at Lyric Arts with their production of Big Fish. The musical is based on the book and the 2003 Columbia Picture’s movie. The book of the musical is by John August, who wrote the screen play for the movie, with music & lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The story follows Edwards Bloom, who is more than the teller of tall tales, he is a loving husband and father.
Now as his son Will is getting married. Will is realizing that he doesn’t know who his father really is. He just knows the stories. Will set’s out to find the truth in the tales to find out who his father really is. It’s a beautifully told story at Lyric Arts. The music & lyrics of Andrew Lippa assist with moving the story along, adding to Edward’s tales, and also helps to pull on your heartstrings.
It was a very fun night at the theater.
The cast does an amazing job bringing this story to life at the Main Street Stage in downtown Anoka. Ben Bakken as Edward Bloom is not just the leading man in this production, he his the heart and soul of the production. Ben has the job of playing Edward Bloom throughout his life. From being a teen, to adulthood, to fatherhood, to his own son’s wedding. Ben also has the vocal talent to pull off all of Edward’s songs and emotions. Ben gave a tour de force of a performance on opening night. Also need to mention Will Gaspar as Will Bloom. His voice was golden. Will is more serious when compared to Edward, but it’s Will who tells Edward’s final story. That was such a beautiful moment on stage.
There’s also a trio of woman who round out the core cast. Woman who are important to Edward and Will’s story. There’s Kate Beahen as Sandra, the woman who would become Edward’s wife. Megan Beard as the former high school sweetheart. And Lydia Rose Prior as Josephine who marry’s Will and helps him to find the truth in his father’s stories. This production also has a great ensemble, who does so much for this production. They help to bring the magic to this wonderful story.
In addition to the cast, what brought this production together was the scenery, lighting and costumes. Scenery was designed by Curtis Phillips, lighting was designed by Shannon Elliot, and costumes were designed by Samantha Fromm Haddow. Excellent use of projections in Big Fish.
To quote a lyric from a song of the musical, “be the hero of your story”. When the musical was over, I had all of this feel good energy coursing through me.
This musical runs through September 28, 2025. To get tickets go to www.lyricarts.org. This production is not to be missed.
