Theatre Tuscaloosa’s Summer Musical ‘Big Fish’ Opens Tonight at Shelton State

Theatre Tuscaloosa presents its summer musical "Big Fish" beginning tonight, July 17, at the Bean-Brown Theatre at Shelton State Community College. The show runs through July 26.

This larger-than-life musical recounts the mythical life of Edward Bloom and the bedtime stories he tells his son, Will. Edward is facing his own mortality while Will is determined to separate fact from fiction and understand who his father truly is before it's too late.

Set in Alabama, "Big Fish" celebrates the power of storytelling and Southern charm while exploring the complexities of the relationship between a father and son.

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A cast of more than 25 local performers will bring "Big Fish" to life. Returning to Theatre Tuscaloosa are Sophia Allen, Colton Crowe, Joshua DeBell, Courtney Dover, Sarah Kathryn Bonds Ethridge, Donald Falls II, Finley Johnson, Baker Jones, Andrew Maughan, Avery May, Emily Seale, JoQuez Shepard, Ally Skelton, Logan Spradley, Ben Stamps, Kolby Stone and Brady Taylor. New to the Theatre Tuscaloosa mainstage are Jennifer Browning, Allison East, Joseph Eatmon, Molly Kerr, Libby Long, Legend Newsome, Eli Sims and Benjamin Walker. They are joined by All-Star cast members Carol DeVelice, Brent Jones and Lindsey Jones.

"This show is a unique take on both the book and movie we know and love," Executive Producer and Director Michael Walker said. "It has been joyful working with the designers, production staff, and this talented cast — it's the perfect way to celebrate my first summer as Executive Producer at Theatre Tuscaloosa!"

Walker is joined by a production team including Dr. Leslie Poss, Musical Director; Cole Cabiness, Choreographer; Ashlyn Lambert, Stage Manager; Therrin Eber, Scenic Designer; Caleb Stroman, Lighting Designer; Jeanette Waterman, Costume Designer; Joey Lay, Prop Designer; and Eat My Beats, Sound Designer.

Performance dates are as follows: Friday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday and Wednesday, July 19 and 22 at 2 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, July 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $26 for adults; $22 for seniors, members of the military and Shelton State Community College employees; $18 for students, children and groups of 10 or more; and $10 for SSCC students. This musical is appropriate for all ages.

Tickets and more information are available at theatretusc.com or 205-391-2277.

Editor's note: this report was provided by Johnnie Aycock, the host of the Noon Show on Catfish 100.1, which, like the Thread, is owned by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa.