HARTSELLE, Ala. – Hartselle High School Theatre will present its spring production of “Big Fish: School Edition” April 7-12 at the Hartselle High School auditorium. The show is for audiences of all ages.
Based on the original novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture film directed by Tim Burton, the musical follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman known for his incredible stories about giants, mermaids and witches, among other fantastical elements. As his son Will grows older, however, he begins searching for the truth behind his father’s tales, leading to a heartfelt story about family, legacy and the stories that shape our lives.
Student Marketing Assistant Alida Stinson shared how the production has been a meaningful experience for herself and the other students involved.
“As a student involved in this production, I am incredibly proud of the imagination and heart our team has poured into this story,” Stinson said. “’Big Fish’ explores the powerful bond between fathers and sons through ‘larger-than-life’ tall tales involving giants, witches and circus performers. It’s a deeply moving story about legacy and the stories we leave behind, themes that have truly resonated with our entire cast.”
With any large-scale production comes tons of preparation. The Hartselle theatre department has spent months preparing the show, working to bring the musical’s colorful and whimsical world to center stage.
“Our performers and crew have been working tirelessly to bring this fantastical world to life,” Stinson said. “From the music to the iconic field of daffodils that fans of the story know and love, there is so much creativity and passion going into this production.”
Performances will begin with a Friends and Family Preview on April 7 at 7 p.m. Evening performances will follow April 9-11 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance scheduled for April 12 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available online at https://gofan.co/app/school/AL1001_1. Admission is $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults and $25 for reserved seating. The April 7 Friends and Family preview performance is $8.
“Whether you are a fan of the original book, the movie or simply love a great musical, this is a ‘big’ event you won’t want to miss,” Stinson added.
For additional information about the production or tickets, contact Hartselle Drama Director Lisa King at 256-612-1208 or lisa.king@hartselletigers.org.
The Hartselle High School auditorium is located at 1000 Bethel Road, Hartselle, AL 35640.
