Epiphany Lutheran Church presents their annual summer musical and this year, it was Big Fish. If you never heard of the show, then here is a brief summation: Traveling salesman Edward Bloom is known for regaling his tall tales, which delight his wife Sandra and his daughter-in-law Josephine, but aggravate his son, Will. Now that Edward is dying from cancer and Josephine is pregnant, Will decides to get the truth behind his Dad's stories once and for all. What Will discovers is that Edward has been trying to inspire him, and that his Dad really does love him.
I was involved with Epiphany's shows from the beginning, when I was in the pit orchestra for The Sound of Music. I then landed the role of Mendel the Rabbi's son in Fiddler on the Roof. I had taken a long break from these shows, I returned in 2006, to perform in Music Man as Olin Britt, a member of the Quartet in 2006. After another long break, I landed the role of Jacob in Joseph in the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2013. In 2015, I had the role of Kerchak in Tarzan. The role was physically and emotionally demanding and I was unsure if I was up for another emotionally draining show. When Big Fish was announced, I racked my brain to remember where I had heard that name. I recalled that I saw a movie years ago that was the same title. Sure enough, it was the same thing. I was surprised, and I don't want to sound ignorant, but I had no idea that it was a Broadway musical. I immediately read the synopsis of the musical, and I was taken with Karl the Giant. I decided that yes, I wanted to do this show, and now I had to get one of my kids on board, if not both of them.
I asked Sarah to audition with me. She immediately turned it down because, in her words, she told me she wasn't an actress. In the sage words of Judge Judy: baloney! I had seen Sarah perform on stage in the Children's Christmas show and I disagree. She is a fabulous actress and she is one of these young ladies that just shines on stage. Sarah had decided she wanted to take time to learn the guitar. I respected her decision and moved onto to Hannah. At first, Hannah also turned it down. Her reason? She wanted to take the summer off and just enjoy her down time. Isn't that cute? This was the same girl who cried at the last show of Tarzan because she was going to miss performing in it terribly. So, I used a tool that every good parent uses: guilt. I told Hannah that the shows mean more to me if one of my kids graces the stage with me. I also know that Hannah loves being on stage and she is a chip off the old block. This girl posses a wicked sense of humor and a tart tongue, much like her Daddy. After Hannah read the synopsis, she changed her mind and was on board as well.
I clearly remember as I filled out my audition sheet for the role I wanted to be considered in, although I wanted Karl the Giant, I simply wrote "Please put me where I can best serve the show." That was daring for me, but I knew if I just focused on one thing, I might miss out on something wonderful. After the singing and the dancing part of the audition was over, we were told that we would be emailed if we made a call back. A few days later, I was emailed the sides for Edward, the lead of the show. My stomach fell. I really wanted Karl and I knew that Edward was going to be a ton of work. Could I really play that role and would I really be good enough to fill the demands of the role? As those thoughts were going through my head, a second email appeared, telling me I was being called back as Karl. I was elated! I quickly read the sides for Karl and just loved the character as he had some of the best lines. I saw him as a funny, reclusive giant that really had a huge heart. Karl really sold himself short because of his height and I thought I could bring that to life on stage.
Callbacks went really well, and late into the night. I tried my best as Edward; his songs were in the upper reaches of my vocal register. I read for Karl, and I was pleased with my callback. I remember that my director, Megan Wean Sears wanted to look at combinations of Edward, Sandra, (Edward's wife) and Will (Edward's son). I lined up with various people so Megan can see who look best with whom. When I left the audition, Megan told us that she was going to take a few days to cast this show and so we would not hear anything for at least a couple of days
Those couple of days stretched into a week. That was by far the longest she had taken to cast a show, I found out later at the cast meeting that she had close to 100 people audition, and with the dimensions of the stage, she could not cast everyone. She made the difficult decision to cut people, which I knew was heartbreaking for her, She ended up using about seventy-five folks for the cast. We finally got the cast list Thursday night a week after we had callbacks. I was working backstage crew for West Carrollton's spring musical Hairspray. My phone chimed and I saw that I had an email come through. The cast list had arrived. I noticed that my heart was racing as I glanced at the email and found the list. I scrolled down and was overjoyed to see that I had landed the role of Karl the Giant! In classic tradition of Epiphany summer shows, all the leads were double cast, which I don't mind. In fact, I adore it, because you work closely with your double to create a memorable character. I learned that the wonderful Mikey Fried was going to be Karl in the Dragons cast, while I was Karl in the Daffodils cast. I was so excited, I high-fived a total stranger and then hugged him!
At the cast meeting, I introduced myself to Mikey Fried. A tall, lanky guy with rakish, curly red hair, Mikey's wide smile and easy-going personality told me instantly that he and I were going to be buddies during this show. He had recently won a Daytony for his role as Lurch in the Centerville High School musical of Adam's Family. Mikey stood slightly taller then me at 6'5. Mikey and I were always making each other laugh in rehearsals.
Megan Wean Sears was going to direct the show again this year. This was not going to be an easy task for her because she was already several months pregnant with her first child. She had lined up Sarah Egbert, whom I have adored since our Once on This Island days, to assist with the choreography.
I would be remiss if I didn't spend a few minutes talking about Megan. I have known her and her sister Kandis for many years. I performed in Music Man, directed by their mom, Kay Frances Wean. Kay was a terrific lady, and she inspired countless children and adults over the years and gave them a sense of belonging when she directed shows. Cancer may have stolen her away from us, but her light, passion and love of others still lives on in her daughters. Kandis looks just like her Mom, while Megan has Kay's tireless energy and passion for directing. Megan is an actor's director, meaning that she herself is a professional actress. Megan gets it. She knows what works on stage and what doesn't. She has an endless wealth of ideas and with each new show, I am always eager to see what she has planned for the cast in terms of blocking and choreography. I love both Megan and Kandis dearly and consider these ladies to be my family. I flatter myself to think they feel the same way about me.
What I admire about Megan is her ability as a director. Her number one rule is "safety first". She wants her cast to be safe on stage, and often has us run scenes in slow motion to ensure everyone is safe when we perform large ensemble songs. She is the first to admit that sometimes her blocking isn't easy, but she trusts each of us to do the job that she gives to us. If you had a question about motivation or why you were doing a certain part of the blocking, she would explain it, and often times she would demonstrate the acting choice she was describing. Megan INSISTS that you write down your blocking notes and study them. She also insists that you write down your notes at the end of the run that she gives you. I can tell you that I personally find that writing down notes helps tremendously. I reviewed my notes all the time; some would say obsessively. I just wanted to be sure that I was doing my absolute personal best at rehearsals.
David Brush was going to be our musical director once again this year. I met David when we worked on Joseph in 2013. He always joked that he was a "short guy", but his vast knowledge of music and his ability to explain things to the cast in a certain way so that it clicked amazes me. He was always ready to answer questions and he wanted to teach you what you needed to know so you could soar on stage. David, like Megan, NEVER settled for second best. They both pushed until you reached your own personal potential. Side note: it was David who came up with the idea that the next summer show should be Big Fish.
John Benjamin and Brady Kress were cast as Edward Bloom. I have known John for many years as he is also a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church. John and I, along with Larry Kleuber (Mayor and Doc Bennett) sang together in the Quartet for Music Man. John has this hearty laugh that is just endearing! When he laughed like that as Edward, it made the character become more real, at least in my eyes. On the other hand, I met Brady just last year when he played Porter in Tarzan. Brady was a bit intimidated of the role of Edward, but his hard work and determination paid off in spades! Brady's easy smile and sense of humor endeared him all the more to me.
Kellie Daab and Kandis Wean were cast as Sandra Bloom. The first time I heard Kellie open her mouth to sing, she knocked my socks off! I had no idea that sweet Kellie had a set of pipes on her! She worked hard to battle her nerves after not being on stage for a number of years. But I adore her and I'm so very proud of her performances! As I said earlier, I have known Kandis for a number of years. Kandis is all about the music, and she strives to make sure we were all aware of our cut offs, and when we enter as an ensemble in songs. Rhythms and diction with lyrics was Kandis' pet peeve. I am so grateful to her for her help when I asked for it. She was always answering my questions patiently, and she appreciated your personal best effort. My favorite memory of Kandis was when I was walking up the stairs in Karl's stilts and she was just inside the doorway that lead to the backstage area near the orchestra. Kandis reached her hand out to me to make sure that I made it through the doorway safely. A dear lady and sister!
Jeffery Mack and Timmy Seiler were cast as Will Bloom. I met both of these guys when I did Joseph. Jeff played Joseph, while Timmy played one of my many sons. Each of them brought qualities to Will that I admire. Jeff just made his voice soar on "Stranger" and I really admire his vocal abilities. Timmy was just so committed to his role. His scene where Will fights with Edward were intense and almost made me feel very uncomfortable because it just seemed so real. After doing four shows, I feel close to Timmy. His bright smile, wild sense of humor and contagious laugh are hallmarks of his personality. I am honored to call him a buddy!
Desmond Thomas and Eric Thompson were cast as Teen Edward. Desmond is another friend from my Joseph days. As Joseph, he and I clicked in our roles onstage, and were friends offstage. I just love his contagious, hearty laugh! Des is truly professional on stage, a delight to watch, and to know as a person. This was my first time meeting Eric. At first he struck me a s quiet, unassuming dude. When he opened his mouth to sing.....WOW! He is headed to Wright State University this fall to study in their theater program. I have no doubts that Eric is going to find tremendous success!
Brianna Russ and Abby Kress were cast as Teen Sandra. I consider Brianna my theater daughter, and I know she looks to me as her theater Dad. Another pal from my Joseph days, Brianna always makes me laugh and we shared many chuckles over inside jokes, pics with goofy faces, and bemoaning our mutual dislike for the odors that stem from the infamous rehearsal room 13. (EW!) There is so much to say about Abby Kress. I met Abby during the run of Tarzan, when she played Kala, Kerchak's ape wife. Abby is a sweetie, and packed with talent. She was our dance captain for both shows and her eagerness and willingness to help others is to be admired. She is such a delight, and I am honored to have acted with her in some really emotional scenes. After Tarzan wrapped, for my birthday she gave me a black and white picture of Kala and Kerchak together in a frame. I cherish this picture of the two of us and it proudly sits on my computer desk. This fall, both ladies are headed to colleges of their choice where they both will study Theater. I can tell you that they are both headed for great things in their futures!
Kathy Meyer and Lily Cutler were cast as Josephine. I have known Kathy's family forever as, they too, are members of Epiphany. I really got the know her better last year when we worked on Tarzan. Kathy's vocal ability continue to amaze me. She is as sweet and humble as she is talented. Lily, or "Lils" as I called her this summer, is a gem. I truly enjoyed getting to know her. There wasn't much acting on Lily's part when she was Josephine because when you saw all the positive attributes of Josephine, that was Lils in a nutshell.
Justin Mathews and Bobbie Morgan were cast as Amos Calloway. Justin is another pal from my Joseph days, where he played yet another one of my many sons. He and I teamed up together to play Kerchak in Tarzan last year. Justin was a consummate pro, a team player and always prepared when we walked into rehearsals. I learned so much from just watching him during Tarzan. One of my favorite stories about Justin: I would always sit backstage during Kerchak's song, while Justin was singing his heart out onstage during "No Other Way." That was not an easy song to sing. due to its ever changing half steps. Every night when Justin came off stage and around the corner, I was there to give him a big, congratulatory hug. He did the same for me my closing night show. I will always remember Justin for his talent and his kindness. Bobby Morgan and I last shared the stage together during Music Man in 2006. At that time, he played Winthrop. Now, that kid is all grown up and what a fine young man he has become. Just like Justin, Bobby was another professional when he hit the stage. Bobby's wicked sense of humor kept us all in stitches during rehearsals.
Chris Scharf and Nick Kress played the role of Don Price. I met Chris when he played the villainous Clayton in Tarzan. I literally see Chris as another member of my family. His comedic timing was always spot on. Both times in Tarzan and Big Fish, Chris pointed a gun at me on stage. I'm starting to see a pattern here! I love that Chris played Don as a bit of a dim-bulb. His facial expressions never failed to make me smile when he would flash one on stage! My favorite memory of Chris: we both agreed that the final show of Big Fish was going to be tough for various reasons. So, on the final night of the show, during the blackout for bows, Chris leaned over and we gave each other a big hug. Again, this guy is my family! I met Nick Kress last year at the last show of Tarzan. He is Abby's twin brother and she introduced us. Nick is another nice guy that brought his own unique qualities to Zac Price. Nick was always fist bumping, five-fives and patting on the shoulder as he walked by me backstage.
Margo Russ and Mia Bridgman played the Witch. Margo is Brianna's sister, and guess what? She and Mia are another one of my pals from our Joseph days! Margo is as sweet and she is capable on stage. She gave it her all in every rehearsal. When Margo and I hit the stage in our cameos at the top of the show, we always wiggled out eyebrows at each other. Love that girl! Mia is a marvel. I remember she could easily hit those high notes with ease. And she made it look effortlessly! Both Margo and Mia both nailed the Witch's song in Big Fish. I am so proud of both of them!
Bridget Miley and Laura Jacobs were cast as teen Jenny Hill. Bridget is a total doll, and making her laugh was a huge highlight for me! Laura is another one of the girls in the cast that I could adopt as I love her to pieces! Both girls were a joy and so much to be around while we were working on the show.
Jessica Pettit and Kate Barrett played adult Jenny Hill. This was my first time meeting Jessica, and I recall chatting with her in callbacks. Her son, Eric, was also in the show. Jessica was an absolute delight to talk to and when she wasn't Jenny Hill, she was the USO singer in the Dragons cast. I had know Kate for what seems like forever. She and I have come full circle in a sense. We started doing this shows when we were in our early twenties, and now here we are: performing in them again with our own kids! What cracked me up about both Kate and Jessica, was that they both agreed that adult Jenny was a sad sack. Holing onto a memory of man that had clearly moved on. Both ladies were just wonderful in the role!
Liam Utt and Curtis LeMieux were cast as young Will. Liam and his family are also members of Epiphany and I had worked with Liam in Tarzan. This was my first time working with Curtis. I was told he has seen Tarzan just last year and really wanted to be of the Epiphany summer show. I was so very proud of their hard work.
After musical rehearsals were finished, we moved into blocking around mid-May. It was during this time that Mikey and I had to sign a stilts waiver, saying that in case of an accident, we would not sue the church or anyone connected with the show. It was then and there that Mikey and I vowed to one another that we would do our best to ensure each other's safety when that person was wearing the stilts. When one was in the stilts, the other was by his side to help guide the other onstage or off. Speaking of stilts, I found those things a bit daunting at first. Initially, Mikey strapped them on and walked in them like he had been doing them all his life. Me....that was another story. Once our costumers got us the right shoes, which were skateboarder shoes, it was much easier to keep our feet flat and secure to walk in the stilts. The stilts were actually dry-walling stilts. They strapped around your upper calf, and then two other straps over the top of your foot secured the foot in place. The stilts made us both eighteen inches taller. In life, I'm 6'3 and Mikey is 6'5. Megan asked our prop people, Adrainne and Jason, to get a long walking stick for Mickey and me to use to steady ourselves. That made all the difference in the world! On the days I was not called for rehearsal, I would go in, drag out the stilts, slip the shoes on and just practice walking the parameter of the Celebration Center, where the show would be. After a few time of doing that, I felt more comfortable.
Real Knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
When I think of the most emotional scene from Big Fish, I think my cast mates and anyone that saw the show would agree with me when I say Edward's death sequence was by far the most raw of them all. Megan blocked the scene and then we ran through what was going to happen. Kandis, Kellie, Brady, John, along with Lily, Kathy, Timmy and Jeffrey had already blocked their stuff, so the ensemble was called in so we could finish the ending. Personally, over the years I had many questions about what happens to the soul once it leaves the body and heads off to Heaven. Little did I imagine that Megan and I shared that same vision. So when I first saw it blocked and then ran it in rehearsal, it was no joke when I say the ensemble was moved to tears. All of us sucked back snot and tears are we watched it play out. I was especially moved when Edward waved to everyone and we waved back. Pain and beauty congruently captured at the same time on stage. Paula had told me that the scene reminded her of when Kate Winslet's Rose dies at the end of Titanic and meets Leo Decaprio's Jack again on the Titanic's grand staircase. I think we all shared that same feeling and that's the best way to describe it.
Opening Night was finally upon us and that night seemed to get there quickly. Almost too quickly. I can honestly say I was the most relaxed I have ever been for an opening night performance. For me, opening night has all the energy and excitement of Christmas morning! For lack of better words, the show was like magic. When you get a audience in front of you, the energy naturally is cranked even higher. The scenes ran beautifully and Karl's lines were getting laughs. Better yet, we had a a sold out show for opening night and a standing ovation during bows. So indeed the Daffodils cast had a fantastic opening! The same could be said for the Dragons cast. I was so proud of both casts and all the blood, sweat and tears we poured into this production.
For me, the lasting impact of Big Fish will always be the friends that I have made this past summer. It really is cliche to say this, but it rings true: we really were a family all those weeks in rehearsal. How can you not be when you spend that much time with one another? We all formed bonds that are forever. We cheered for each other, we shared snacks, we build a set and then supported one another when the going got tough. I always make it my mission to complement someone on something that they did so they can know that someone really cares about them and notices their hard work on stage. I remember years ago someone did that for me. Now, I pay it forward. Everyone needs to feel valued, appreciated and validated. That's what I try to do.
...You convinced me to start over....
I would feel horrible if I didn't mention a few other people:
-The Big Fish Orchestra: Felicia, Tom, Alex, Judy, Emma, Scott and Damian. You all were AMAZING. I loved watching the pros work and you didn't disappoint. Special thanks to Damian whose kind spirit and GIANT heart always shone through. Oh, and Judy, thanks for insisting that you get a picture with Karl!
Backstage Crew/Dressers: Molly, Paula, Jen, Linda, Vicky, and Amy. Where do I begin ladies? I owe a huge thanks for helping me with a fast change while I was on stilts and for your guiding hand off stage! Special thanks to Linda, Paula and Molly. These three fanned me with their papers as I sat in Karl's stilt chair. Nothing like being cool when you are in costume.
Speaking of costumes, a huge shout out to Maria and Lori who worked tirelessly on the costumes. I absolutely ADORED Karl's ragged, torn coat, trimmed with mink. The magician's black and orange cape was Mikey's and my personal favorite. Both ladies really outdone themselves for this show!
To our sound guys Chris and Ben: Thanks for making me sound more menacing then I ever thought possible. Ben, your story that you shared with me is priceless: Ben had a couple approach him and ask if the guy that plays Karl the Giant is REALLY that tall. Ben replied with "Yes, yes he is!"
Special thanks to Adrienne and Jason for dreaming up some truly magnificent props! You guys never cease to amaze me with your props with each new show.
A special shout out to Russell Florence, Jr. A local theatre critic and freelance writer for the Dayton Daily Paper. He gave a truly warm review and showed us much love in his column. You can read it here. Thank you Russell!
To the rest of my fellow cast mates that weren't mentioned above: You don't know what an honor and a privilege it was for me to get to know you, perform next to you and to consider you pals. You always somehow made me smile and laugh when I had a tough day or when I was feeling down. The memories we shared are something that I will always treasure. Just know each and every one of you have a special place in this vast space known as my heart! All of you were really heroes of your stories!
Comments
Post a Comment