Big Fish Preview Thread- Page 3

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 11:38am

Thanks, everyone, for the reports. This show, when I saw it in Chicago, really moved me and reading everyone’s reviews is bringing me back to the feelings I had walking out of the show last May. It has its flaws, sure, but “Big Fish” touched me in such a different way than many other musicals, that it has really stuck with me. (Even ones that have moved me and I love, as well, but “Big Fish” hits a specific nerve that is rare.) I feel like there is something very special and different about this show.

I figured the opening number would be scrapped, but I am surprised the “Big Fish” story is never told. Is the story ever even mentioned?

Also, I might simply be forgetting, but I can’t, for the life of me, remember the scene in Central Park. I don’t have my playbill in front of me at the moment – can anyone who saw it in Chicago confirm whether or not this scene/song was in during the preview run in Chicago?

I also thought “Showdown” would be cut (this was probably the biggest number that didn’t work for me in the Chicago run). However (and, I have discussed this on the board before), I do think Edward’s near-admission and guilt in the song are founded. While he didn’t do what Will is accusing him of (hence the many “It’s not what you think!” lines – if those are still in), I think, to him, he feels like what he DID do is just as terrible. So, while he is trying to explain that it’s not what Will thinks, he can’t help but nearly admit to something – in his mind – that is just as bad.

Taking a quick weekend trip to NYC in the fall and have one more show slot open…I generally try to see shows I haven’t seen already, but I don’t know if I will be able to resist experiencing Norbert’s performance in this again. I remember the feeling of being scooped up into the palm of his hand and not being let go until the curtain came down. I truly hope he gets his third Tony for this performance.

Excited to continue hearing how the show shapes up during this preview period. Thanks again for all the reviews!

Updated On: 9/6/13 at 11:38 AM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 12:31pm

I saw it in Chicago, and i must say that I am absolutely STUNNED that the Western number and the Witch number were not re-examined.

Ditto that. I'm curious to know if they changed any staging to the Witch number. In Chicago, it reminded me way too much of Donkey Pot Pie from Shrek. The dance break for the Witchettes was probably one of the most trite moments in choreography I've yet seen from Stroman. The projections were indecipherable from where I was sitting (side orchestra). And the sound for the entire first act muted all the singing vocals. I knew that there was supposed to be something AMAZING happening on stage, but I had no idea what was going on and this was near the end of the Chicago run.

At least they ditched that tacky opening. And it appears they cut the Giant number from act 1 and the Family Tree number from act 2 all of which are definitely improvements. Family Tree was actually a decent number. It just didn't work, structurally in the show and ground everything to a halt.

One of the best songs from Chicago was the angry duet between Will and Edward in act 1, River Between Us. I'm really shocked they cut that and kept Showdown.

Also, I might simply be forgetting, but I can’t, for the life of me, remember the scene in Central Park.

I don't remember that, either. I think perhaps it is new for Broadway.

Updated On: 9/6/13 at 12:31 PM

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 1:13pm

One of the best songs from Chicago was the angry duet between Will and Edward in act 1, River Between Us. I'm really shocked they cut that and kept Showdown.

I just noticed, as well, that “River Between Us” was cut and I completely agree. That was definitely one of my favorite numbers and the number I was most looking forward to get to listen to whenever there is (hopefully) a cast album. That’s a shame. My guess would be that with the new structure of the beginning of the show, it may have no longer fit. I will cross my fingers that it somehow finds its way back into the piece, though.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 1:29pm

That was definitely one of my favorite numbers and the number I was most looking forward to get to listen to whenever there is (hopefully) a cast album.

Me, too. But mostly because it sounded like it was lifted out of Next to Normal. I also think Family Tree was probably the catchiest tune Lippa's ever written even if it didn't work in the show. Hopefully, it will be a bonus track or recycled in a better show.

It's really too bad they still haven't taken advantage of Baldwin's talent and given the character more depth and dimension. She gets a pretty ballad in act 2, but the lyrics only rehash nearly all her dialogue and it's all so repetitive. Her character's only real conflict in the show is dumping her jerky boyfriend for the nice guy. Everything else she is given in the show is "I love my husband so much". They are lucky to have her in the role and she can at least provide some emotion in the performance that does not exist anywhere in the script, but GOD she's a dull character.

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 1:40pm

But mostly because it sounded like it was lifted out of Next to Normal.

Never put the similarities together, but I did just realize that when I replay the small bit of melody that I can remember of “River Between Us” my brain automatically wants to go right into “A promise, a boy says forever…”

[Libby1209]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 7:03pm

Now I'm really excited to see this tomorrow!

[ggersten]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 7:31pm

Saw this first week in Chicago.
So, they cut two songs people liked - River Between Us and Gds Honest Truth - but kept Showdown.....tis a puzzlement.

The Central Park scene is new - I wonder if it takes the place of the wedding where Norbert tells the Big Fish story leading to the break with his son. Does seem odd to have a show called Big Fish if they don't do the Big Fish story at all....

The dancing Giant song (was it called Bigger?) seems gone - but Karl does have songs - so maybe a new song?
Kate Baldwin has some new songs since Chicago as well -- even if her character hasn't changed, it's great that she has more to do.

[AKarp2013]

Posted: 9/6/13 at 7:44pm

How was the audience? What was the audience reaction to the show?

[Kad]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:04am

The wedding still takes place, with Edward revealing Will's wife's pregnancy being the impetus for the break.

The Central Park scene occurs after a doctor's appointment where Will learns the sex of his child. He's out in the park and muses on how the child is a stranger and how his father is, too.

[IronMan]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 1:17am

I believe the title of the musical/movie/book mostly refers to Edward Bloom being a "big fish in a small pond," and not to any specific story involving actual fish.

Updated On: 9/7/13 at 01:17 AM

[ddenoff2]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 11:47am

The title, I believe, means that Edward's life is one big "Big Fish Story" of exaggeration and hyperbole. "The fish I caught was THIS BIG!"

Very excited to see Stro's transformation of the film to the stage.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:01pm

In the film, there is an actual story about a fish that the title refers to.

[jm31]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:15pm

As of now, how long does the musical run?

[Kad]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:23pm

Over two and a half hours. They had a longer intermission on Thursday than usual.

[jbm2]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:39pm

How "kid friendly" is the show?

[Kad]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:43pm

There is really nothing objectionable about the show what-so-ever. A kid might really like it, there are some fun visuals and a lot of whimsy.

[ggersten]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 1:09pm

>>The wedding still takes place, with Edward revealing Will's wife's pregnancy being the impetus for the break.

The Central Park scene occurs after a doctor's appointment where Will learns the sex of his child. He's out in the park and muses on how the child is a stranger and how his father is, too.<<

That sounds like improvements. Telling a story didn't ring true as the cause of the break - even if it was the "last" straw. And this Central Park scene sounds like it gives more life to the Will character than existed in Chicago.

[Kad]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 2:55pm

Yeah, the break makes sense, as Edward is fairly in the wrong and basically hijacks the wedding in his need to be the center of attention.

The Central Park scene, however, stops the show cold. It's a static song that doesn't reveal much that we don't already know. In an already long first act, it is a very draggy several minutes.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 9:56pm

Can't wait to see this on October 5!

[indytallguy]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 10:01pm

Never saw the movie.

There is a lot of talent on that stage and a lot of inventive theatrical moments being created, but I was bored out of my effing mind.

Audience around me seemed to be enjoying it quite a bit, but then they also applauded loudly for the reveal of the flowers.

Book seems choppy. Circus number went on too long. I love Norbert, but I was weary of him at a couple of points because he is constantly onstage and singing.

Wanted to like this, but it just didn't work for me. Others' mileage obviously varies.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 12:20am

How are the rush seats? Am I better off with TDF?

[macnyc]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 12:33am

The rush seats seemed to be in the first row. I'm basing that on a chat I had with a young woman who was sitting there. My TDF seat was in orchestra row S, all the way over on the side. Perfect view though.

Overall I would say that there were many wonderful elements, but ultimately I was disappointed with the show. Although I enjoyed the Act 1 a lot, the second act couldn't maintain the momentum, and I got the feeling the book writer didn't know how to end it. (I haven't seen the movie.) I thought the ending was really drippy.

The orchestra seemed to be sold out. About 10 people were standing over on the far right side (as you face the stage), and extra chairs were placed in the aisle behind the left side of the orchestra. People seemed to really like the show, applauding for the flower reveal, as indytallguy mentioned. The flowers were okay, but I didn't think it was that great an effect. The show was imaginative, but in a pedestrian way, if that makes any sense.

SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD


The best part of Big Fish was the three leads. In particular I thought Bobby Steggert was wonderful. His acting and singing were both very strong. Kate Baldwin was also excellent, but as others have commented, her character was not fleshed out enough. I felt she was saddled with the same role she played in Giant. Norbert was good most of the time, but was a bit hammy at others. I enjoyed the choreography too, and the witch scene had some good effects (the trees). I really liked the Time Stops number, even though I find the concept of love at first sight somewhat corny.

I don't know why people are debating the reference to the big fish, unless that element has been changed. It was clear to me at the end of the Doing the Alabama Stomp number (which was another highlight, to me) what the big fish was! It makes an appearance at the very end too.










Updated On: 9/8/13 at 12:33 AM

[After Eight]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 8:39am

"I thought the ending was really drippy."

I felt that way about the whole show. It dripped; I drooped.

Visually ugly, with a humdrum score.

They used to write fun shows all the time in the old days. Why can't they write any now?

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 8:42am

I saw this yesterday, matinee, I checked my watch as I hit the street and it was 4:44pm, it started about 2:07. So it is running about 2.5 since it took me a few minutes to get out.

For the most part I enjoyed the show, I liked Norbert as Edward Bloom, he was charming. At first I was not sold on Bobby's Will, but he grew on me. Maybe it was because I was comparing him to Billy Crudup, I never saw the movie so I watched it online earlier this week. I probably shouldn't have done that since I wound up comparing characters.

As mentioned by others there is some great choreography and scenery effects. I plan on seeing it again next month see if any changes are made.

[Younger Brother]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 9:17am

Could someone possibly mail me about what special effects are done in the show?