Father-son dynamics of ‘Big Fish’ reel in audience

Ever After Productions returns to the Colonnade Friday, June 22, to present its revival of the musical “Big Fish” in six performances through June 30.

“Big Fish” tells the larger-than-life tale of Edward Bloom, a man who leads an extraordinary life — according to the stories he tells his son, Will.

But Will, who is getting married and expecting a child of his own, doesn’t think there’s any truth to the extravagant tales his father tells about meeting witches, kissing mermaids or joining the circus. He doesn’t even believe the story of how his father proposed to his mother, Sandra, in a field full of daffodils.

When Edward’s health begins to decline, Will visits his father and tries one last time to find out the truth behind the tall tales. As Edward and Will’s relationship becomes increasingly strained, Will must decide whether to accept his father’s wild stories as fact or risk losing him completely.

Execut i ve Producer J o nat han Humble describes “Big Fish” as “a heartfelt, powerful and t ruly magical musical about fathers, sons and the stories that we use to define our identities.”

The musical features a large cast of more than 40 area actors. Principal roles are filled by Kyle Conkle as Edward Bloom, Garrett Henson-Hink as Will Bloom, Lauren Johnson as Sandra Bloom, Noah Williams as young Will and Leigh Hollingsworth as Josephine Bloom.

Also Greg Jackson as Karl the Giant, Chuck Nalley as Amos Calloway, Andrew Boone as Don Price, Grayson Parker as the witch, Hannah Hale as Jenny Hill, Eleanor Aiken as the girl in the water, Paul Stone as Dr. Bennett and Kyle Hullander as Zacky Price.

Musical direction is by Richard Stretton. Kristin Nalley has choreographed the show.

“Some stories are just too big to not be retold,” says Humble, who is also directing the musical. “I wanted Ever After Productions’ return from hiatus to be one that reached out and touched the soul. I wanted to share a story that encapsulates how I encourage others to live: dream, love, live bigger. The story of ‘ Big Fish,’ at its core, is about the human connections we make along life’s journey and the impact those connections have in the lives of those around us.

“This theatrical fami ly at The Colonnade has impacted my life in a beautiful way, as it has many of you. It’s my hope that you will join me on this journey, and together let’s build a world of daffodils.”

For more information: www.everafterprod.com.

Kyle Conkle, right, playing Edward Bloom, and Garrett Henson-Hink as Will Bloom rehearse a father-son showdown.

EVER AFTER PRODUCTIONS PHOTOS Kyle Conkle, left, stars as Edward Bloom in “Big Fish” and Greg Jackson plays Karl the Giant, right.