A colossal, awe-inspiring tale

A cast of 28 actors of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds brought down the house Saturday night at Lansing’s Riverwalk Theatre with its immense “Big Fish” production.  

Dale Wayne Williams created a memorable and moving exploration of fatherhood, truth and the fantasies of childhood with his Riverwalk directorial debut. 

In addition to guiding this large cast with precision and exuberance, Williams’ creativity shines, especially in moments of stage magic when fish fly, flowers bloom, and time stops for love and loss. It presents a mix of highs and lows punctuated with laugh-out-loud comedy and sweeping songs. Tall tales and family secrets raise powerful questions: What does it mean to be a good father? What does it mean to have a big life? 

I have not been to a musical in a very long time, so I was unprepared for the big feelings I got from watching a sizeable cast take to the stage in song, dance and pure joy. As I watched, I noticed a young girl sitting in the audience. She was singing along through her mask to almost every word. I couldn’t help remembering how I was at that age: entirely in awe of the theater and captivated by big, bold stories. This show brought that feeling back. 

“Big Fish” is about what we leave to our children, not in money or position but experiences and ambitions. The big-talking protagonist Edward Bloom (Kameron Going) can’t take his son to the theater, but he entertains him with what he has. Bloom is a complex lead, a traveling salesman who is always impressive but a little dishonest. Going’s portrayal brings something softer than I expected to Edward Bloom. In this world of elephants, giants and big fish, Going’s version of Bloom is human-sized. He’s not larger than life; he is just trying to make a life. Still, his presence is everything to his son, who, after 30 years, says, “My father is a stranger I know very well.” 

Playing opposite Going are Brian Farnham (Will Bloom) and Emily Stokes (Sandra Bloom). The relationship between father and son is especially electric. Farnham’s voice is as calm, clear and concerted as his character. He is especially compelling in “Stranger.” Stokes brings vocal power to her role, especially on her solo “I Don’t Need a Roof.” It was my personal showstopper and should not be missed. 

Several supporting cast members brought their focus, power and playfulness. I especially appreciated Ny’Kieria Blocker, who wowed as The Witch, and Tim Edinger, who brought depth to the role of Don Price. This show is filled with both experienced and emerging talent. Around 14 ensemble members made their Riverwalk debut, and two cast members (Stephanie Constan as Dr. Bennett and Trina Rowell in the ensemble) made their musical theater debuts. 

Beyond that, Amanda Macomber’s artistry and experience as a costumer are on full display. It is no small feat to dress that many people. The USO showgirls and the Western scene were especially dazzling, thanks to the bold lighting by Ted Daniel and support from Macomber’s costuming choices. It all helps the audience understand the various locations, transitions and flashbacks throughout this story. 

In theory, terrible parents make for sensational scoops, while good parents are pretty dull. But “Big Fish” is about a “real” person. A small-town hero who lived to tell a tall tale and was neither a saint nor a monster. He tells his son, “Remember me as something bigger than I was.”  

And his son cannot refuse him.