Big Fish Preview Thread — Page 3

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

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.

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…”

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.

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.

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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.

As of now, how long does the musical run?

How "kid friendly" is the show?

>>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.

Can't wait to see this on October 5!

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

"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?

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