Overall Rating
4.2
By Josi2552
Big Fish Is Simply AMAZING!
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
This was one of the best musicals I have seen in a while. As a fan of Norbert Leo Butz, I was already sold for this musical but the thing that made this was the tech. All of the costumes, songs, and tech that was used was by far the best I have ever seen! Simple but purely genius. Can't wait until this goes on Broadway!
By spacpt1
the big fish
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
This production has many problems that need resolved before opening in NYC or it will be the rotten fish of the season. The transition between each part of the story is full of gaps that need smoothed out many or the audience will be confused at all the stuff thrown at the wall in hope of making this mess make sense. Norbert leo butz was excellent, but his material was no help figuring out what the developement in the story. The dance numbers were well done, but their placement needs to be rethought as they are not logically placed and thus they make the play seem disconnected from the dance numbers. The dance numbers in a musical are to enhance the production and serve as glue in the foundation of the story. Some of these numbers were just thrown in for filler----truely a big mistake. Norbert leo butz was good, but only as good as his material. This show needs tightened up in many areas. I flew 500 miles to see this show hoping to catch a ticket before opening in NYC. If things stay the same there will be no shortage of seats available in New York.
By Gongola
Needs Work before New York!!!
Oriental Theater - Chicago
I had no expectations and have not seen the movie. It's been a few weeks since I've seen it and now I can't remember the closing of Act 1....that's not good. But I do remember the long drawn out circus scene. And that the ending was less that lack luster. There certinly was no toe tapping, walk away humming broadway finsih, that's for sure. But overall a good deal if you didn't pay full price like we did. Oh and the first row of the Loge at the Oriental........is an obstructed view. Much better off going for first row balcony for any play/musical you see there.
By giulimaggi
Big Fish has potential!
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
While the music was rather forgettable (no song other Daffodils...because it was a bit obnoxious, really stuck in our heads), the musical still has potential.. Over all the play was just too long. However the sets and the lighting were amazing. The night we saw it there were several lighting faux pas, but we still enjoyed it. It has some very fun moments, but it just needs some tweaking. Some cast members are not deft at delivering comedic lines. I think the show just needs some polish. I'd be interested to see it after if comes back from New York.
By Herbie13
Better than the movie
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
I really enjoyed the show--music and performances were great. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Norbert Leo Butz, and thought the story fit the stage so much better than as a movie.
By WGTactor
Big Fish struggles to find its center
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
The fantastical stories in Big Fish are perfect for musical theater. The cast, costumes and choreography worked brilliantly to bring the audience into the father's fantasies. The sets were incredibly creative, providing an almost cinematic experience for the audience. But at its heart, Big Fish is the story of a young man trying to build an emotional connection to his father. This deeply personal core is not well-suited to the musical theater format, and the production struggled to get to the painful nature of the father-son relationship in a realistic way. Despite this, we were impressed by the innovative staging, the creative choreography, and the singing and acting talents of the cast.
By lajenn
Big Fish was BIG bore
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
This was the last night of the play. And. it was less than average. The actors were not "into it," and the music was far laouder than the performers. We left at intermission.
By KMLLR
Big Fish - First Rate
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
Wonderful performance. First rate, set, scenery, music, actors and story. Beautifully done. Enjoyed every minute. So glad we decided to go.
By Anonymous
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
Big Fish was amazing! Having been one of the few people who has not watched the movie, I really enjoyed this! The entire cast performed wonderfully. Their talent was showcased very well in this amazing story. Thank you for coming to Chicago!
By Anonymous
Oriental Theatre Chicago - Chicago
This play was very good, I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys the theater.
PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE!
Two-time Tony Award® winner Norbert Leo Butz stars in BIG FISH, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed Columbia Pictures film directed by Tim Burton. BIG FISH features direction and choreography by 5-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys), music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), who also penned the screenplay for the film version. Overflowing with heart, humor and inventive stagecraft, BIG FISH is a tribute to the power of dreaming big... and the unpredictable adventure of life itself. BIG FISH is the must-see show of the season!