Arena Dinner Theatre 

BIG FISH - THE MUSICAL

Book by John August
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace
The Columbia Motion Picture written by John August

​​​​​

Director BEN WEDLER​

​​

Open Auditions: Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 7 pm at Arena Dinner Theatre 

​Arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to auditions to fill out your audition form. (Doors will open @ 6:30 pm)

​​​​

Please prepare a short vocal selection that best represents the part you are interested in playing. ​

​

SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION SLOT HERE

​

Call Back/Make-Up Auditions: Monday, April 14 @ 7 pm at Arena Dinner Theatre. Actors needed at call-backs will be notified via call or text immediately following open
auditions. If you are unable to attend the April 14 audition, you may audition this night Email bmw42st@yahoo.com to RSVP.

​​

CHARACTERS:

• Edward – older man (teen and beyond, actor ages 35-65). Edward is a charming, charismatic storyteller. A devoted yet absent father nearing the end of his life and wanting to reconnect with his son. He is comfortable in his own skin, but hopes for Will’s approval. He absolutely loves his wife, his son, and telling stories. Needs a big voice and serious character acting. Plays ages ranging from teenager to older sick man.

• Sandra – older woman (teen and beyond, actor ages 25-55). Sandra is patient, calm – the perfect balance to Edward's enthusiasm. She adores and appreciates Edward and tries to bring reconciliation to her husband and son, both of whom she loves.

• Will – adult (All but little boy, actor ages 20-30). Will is a critical part of the story. He is an earnest, serious, thoughtful young man wanting to reconnect with his storytelling father but unable to appreciate  Edward’s romantic view of life. He is a successful professional and new husband. He has to able to take us on the journey of understanding and make us believe the complex relationship and final heartfelt embrace of his father’s legacy. Needs a strong tenor voice. No dance

• Josephine – (actor ages 18-30). Will’s wife. Successful adult, sweet, intelligent, and organically compatible with Will. Josephine acts as the bridge between Edward and Will, explaining the deeper meaning of the stories. Often on stage. No singing. No dance. Serious character acting.

• Karl – the Giant. (actor ages 18-40). Edward’s best friend. Karl is shy, exceptionally intelligent, hermit-like, and has a quiet charisma. He needs a booming voice and a large personality. Needs to be decently tall, but not a “giant.” Bass voice. Ability to walk on stilts.

• Amos – Ring Leader (actor age 25-50) is the rather eccentric, quirky owner of the circus that employs young Edward. He also happens to be a werewolf (in Edward’s tales). Needs an actor able to portray a strong, outgoing personality and humor. Doesn’t need to move, but good stage presence essential.

• Witch – adult female (actor age 20-40). Commanding performer with great confidence and storytelling ability. She convinces Edward to pursue a Big Life without fear. Needs belt voice, mezzo soprano. Some dance, could be extensive.

• Jenny Hill – adult female (actor age 20-40). Edward’s devoted, first girlfriend. She is beautiful, a dreamer, maybe a little blonde. Needs loud belt. Some movement. Also included in ensemble.

• Don Price – (high school, college, and mayor, actor ages 20-45). Older snarky bully. Sandra’s first fiancé. Needs a bigger than life acting style. Possible movement but not crucial.

• Zacky Price – (high school, college, and later, actor ages 20-45). Nerdy brother and shadow of Don Price.

• Doctor Bennett – considerably older man (actor ages 45-75). Warm, kind, frank, soft-spoken friend and physician of Edward. Needs realistic actor. No singing or dancing necessary.

• Alabama Lambs – two of Sandra’s friends (actors age 20- 40). Perform with Sandra at the circus. Needs strong singing and dancing skills.

• Fisherman – adult male (actor age 18-35) hometown redneck Needs strong singing and dancing skills

• Ensemble - Assorted ages, age 18 and older. All sing and move. Some individuals will do extensive dance, but not all​

​

REHEARSALS: Rehearsals begin April 28-June 6. Monday-Friday 7-10 pm. Not all dates will be used and not all actors will be called for all rehearsals. A specific schedule based on cast availability will be made after casting. 

TECH SUNDAY: Sunday, June 8 (1 pm- ????)
TECH WEEK: Monday,June 9-Thursday, June 12(6:30/7- 10:30ish pm)

​

ABOUT THE SHOW:

 

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic
tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, BIG FISH  is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre –
for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself. 

 

BIG FISH Small Cast Edition is the new, small-cast version for 14-actors of the Broadway musical.