The Dio Dining & Entertainment’s “Big Fish” Invites A Look In The Mirror

The Dio’s “Big Fish” is a story about a typical American family. A dad, mom and son. The dad, Edward Bloom, played with heart by Steve DeBruyne, is a traveling salesman. His job requires him to be away from home, missing out on most of his son’s life. The boy, portrayed so brilliantly by Tyler J. Messenger, realizes that on the eve of getting married, he doesn’t know his father. A theme familiar in so many American homes.

The music and lyrics to Big Fish were written by Andrew Lippa and the script by John August. Big Fish opened on Broadway in October 2013 and closed after ninety-eight performances. The musical was based upon the 1998 novel by David Wallace “Big Fish: A Novel of Epic Proportions” and the 2003 film.

Steve DeBruyne’s direction invites an intimate look into the lives of the Bloom family. On the surface, it looks like every other family. While under the surface, it is also like so many families. Unresolved hurts, misunderstandings and emotional distance. The tension between DeBruyne’s Edward and Messenger’s Will is palpable at times. Through raised voices and building frustrations, the conflict in Act I builds with a slow simmer.

(Far left) Tyler J. Messenger as Will, Anne Koziara as Josephine & Steve Debruyne (behind cart). Photo by Michele Anliker Photography.

MSandra Bloom, Edward’s wife, played so beautifully by Angela Hench, tries to maintain the peace between the men I her life, often with diminishing returns. In Act II, she sings the haunting “I Don’t Need A Roof” as her husband lays dying in her arms. Anne Koziara plays Will’s fiancé’ Josephine, who shines in her role. Ever present, she always has a calming, supportive voice. She too assists in bridging the gap between father & son. The importance of these two women in carrying the story forward cannot be overstated. Their gentle presence is needed to help bridge the distance between the men.

Steve Debruyne as Edward Bloom elevated, Angela Hench as Sandra in blue dress & Tyler J. Messenger in tux as Will Photo by Michele Anliker Photography.

DeBruyne’s Edward has a dream where a witch, played by Jacqui Blue, reveals how his life will end. Yet, true to life, as the end approaches, Edward says, “it can’t end like this” and asks Will to create a different ending. Messenger then sings “How It Ends”, creating the perfect end to his dad’s story, whom he had grown to love and admire the more he discovered.

Jacqui Blue as the Witch in Edward’s dream. Photo by Michele Anliker Photography.

Big Fish is a love story, wrapped neatly in humor and humanity. Everyone has known someone like Edward, the life at every party who can become tiresome. And everyone knows someone like Sandra and Jenny. Strong, smart and articulate women, who love unconditionally, are calmly and quietly reassuring, keeping their family together. These actresses appeared infrequently on stage but dominated the scenes they were in.

Members of the ensemble included Nicholas Balfour, Michael Bessom, Molly Cunningham, James Fischer and AJ Sandstrom. Jack Fitch and AJ Sandstrum share playing the role of Young Will, opening Act II singing “Fight The Dragons” with Edward.

Jack Fitch (standing on cart) as young Will, Steve DeBruyne in front & ensemble. Photo by Michele Anliker.

Big Fish packs an emotional punch in the gut. The acting is superb. The singing is even better. Big Fish gets an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

Big Fish runs through Sunday, May 31^st. There are a few tickets remaining for select performances. For tickets, call (517) 672-6009 or online at www.diotheatre.com. The Dio is located at 177 E. Main Street in Pinckney.