CCH lands ‘Big Fish’ for Eggplant Theatre

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL OPENS FRIDAY

Outdoor adventures become the starting point for countless tall tales, and many involve catching enormous fish.

Sometimes it’s nigh impossible to tell truth from fiction.

That’s the challenge posed by “Big Fish,” this year’s musical theatre presentation at Catholic Central High on 18 Street South. A young man struggles to learn the truth behind the fanciful stories told by his father, a travelling salesman.

The musical, opening Friday, will continue the next day and then March 13 to 17 in the Eggplant Theatre on the school’s east campus. Three matinees will also be offered.

Based on a 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, the musical version of “Big Fish” debuted on Broadway in 2013. The story flips between the present and the past, as hidden secrets come to light.

Edward, the aging father, creates a scene by revealing his son Will and his bride Sandra already have a child on the way. Then it’s discovered that Edward is hiding his cancer diagnosis.

Despite Edward’s foibles, his wife Josephine still enjoys those tall tales. She and Will decide to go through the old man’s files to discern fact from fancy — only to uncover a property deed that’s linked to an affair he had while on the road.

In the end, father and son reach some kind of understanding as Edward lies dying.

For a musical theatre work, “Big Fish” poses more searching questions than many student productions. But CCH has a long history with musical theatre — 26 previous shows, stretching back to 1992.

For this year’s presentation, director Laurie Mitchell is backed by many students in the school’s musical theatre program. They’ve designed the stage and costumes, the lighting and sound, and they’ll be part of the running crew as the players take to the stage.

Showtime each evening will be 7:30 p.m., with 1:30 p.m. matinees scheduled for March 10, 11 and 17. Tickets are being handled — cash or cheques only — by the CCH East school office.