Big Fish (Chicago) Tickets

The sets were very good. The story line was also good. It was a little too long and dragged at times. Could be tightened up.The actors were excellent but the musical score was just okay. No real show stoppers. Enjoyable but not the best.

Very good production - very well done. The sets and set changes were clever and fun.

The sets decor was brilliant but the book is lacking. None of the songs were catchy meaning I can't remember a single song that was sung. The actors were great but I feel if someone hasn't seen the movie they would be confused.

Based on the evocative fantasy film, Big Fish faces big challenges when being put on stage. The tone of the show is a particularly challenging one, being neither truly realistic nor a complete fantasy, set in an unrealistic landscape. Best features, in its current tryout version, are the performances of Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin, the tuneful and moving score by Andrew Lippa (his best yet, in this reviewer's opinion), and the timeless appeal of reconciliation stories between fathers and sons. Biggest challenges are smoothing and unifying the episodic nature of the story, finding a narrative journey that constantly suggests forward motion (now it tends to feel like a series of only peripherally related shaggy dog stories), and keeping the audience's emotional engagement throughout. I was not too enamored of the lavish but effortful and relentlessly cheerful set design.

Need to tighten up and shorten. Some scenes (ie: circus) could be eliminated or shortened. Story line does not really tie in smoothly and was difficult to follow (I saw the movie fortunately)

The cast is very professional and did a great job. No flubbed lines or missed cues, every cast member was solid. What is unfortunate is that the writing relied too heavily on falling back upon Broadway-esque cliches (come-on.........a Charlestown Dance reference? Still?) and NO catchy tunes. Big Fish did not present a single song with a memorable melody that one should leave the theater humming or whistling. For those who did not read the book or watch the movie, good luck trying to follow the plot. The continuity was awkward.

Great, great show! I laughed and cried. Great story and the music and coreagraphy kept me spellbound. I think there is something special about seeing the development of a show before it goes to Broadway. It is like the producers of the show have let Chicago in on a secret before the rest of the world is invited to see this new hit musical.

This show was absolutely amazing. The visual qualities were outstanding, it surpassed all of my expectations.

We predict this show will garner a number of Tony awards. The book, the music and the lyrics are poignant and mesmerizing. The scene design, dancers and costumes were especially interesting and creative. So glad we didn't miss this one!

I love Broadway musicals and I enjoy just about anything. There were some really great perfornances in the lead characters. However--this play needs some serious editing--whether it's in the circus performers or other run-on, unnecessary story lines, it is way too long. There were many times my guest and I expected the particular story line to move on--and it continued and continued. If you can hang in there to the second act, it redeems itself and you were glad you came. A few touching moments help to keep you engaged. Still--get out the editing pen and shorten this baby up to the main issues!!!

Big Fish tried to stay as true to the film as possible, but changed some aspects in order to accommodate the fact that it is not only a play, but also a musical. The changes were wonderful, seamless, and only added to the story and made the performance more powerful. The actors did a great job, especially Edward Bloom, who was charismatic and relatable. Definitely see this as soon as possible.

If you like gritty realism in your theater, skip this one. If you like great visuals, a fun yet moving storyline and solid acting performances, then Big Fish will be a treat for you. I had not seen the movie, but knew the premise of the show. Norbert Leo Butz was spot on in his portrayal of the father and you could actually get emotionally invested in his story. My father was a great story teller as well, and I find myself repeating his sayings to my boys, so maybe it was easier for me to love this show.

My first musical ever. Similar in many ways to the Tim Burton movie, but with a lot of new material (haven't read the original novel). Staging and sets are cutting edge and just watching the transitions was fun. The end resolution between the Son and Dad had a bunch of people crying in lobby afterward.

The show was phenomenal in every sense of the word. I'm incredibly happy I had a chance to see it pre-broadway and though it was missing some of my favorite parts from the movie, the amazing cast, music, and set made up for it immediately. I was especially astounded by the use of a projecter to make the scenes whole. Thank you for the incredible experience and Everyone should consider seeing this show as soon as they can.

My boyfriend & I went to see this not knowing what to expect or whether our seats would be that good. We loved the performance - from the acting to the music to the sets to the costumes. Definitely worth going to see if you're a Chicago resident or if you're just visiting.

very well done! What John August did was absolutely amazing. very imaginative.presentation of a great book and movie. the choices for casting and costumes were perfect. A big applause for Big Fish!

Having seen many Broadway shows I would be surprised if this shows does not win the Tony Award for Best Musical. The show was phenomenal from the acting to the most amazing set I have seen to the point I would say it was another character in the show. I would recommend this show to anyone and am planning on going again!

The show started with a good hook to immediately catch the audience. In the middle of the first Act I was wondering how it would keep my interest because the stories told by the father were getting long. Then at the end of Act 1 it started reeling me in and did not stop until the end of the show. It definitely touched me on personal levels... I laughed and cried thinking about my relationship with my own dad. A couple songs stayed in my head after the show...always a good sign. The sound mix needs improvement with the orchestra often outweighing the voices. The witch's diction was also difficult to understand in her big song and scene. All in all, it will need a little tightening up before opening on Broadway, but it is worth the money I paid (half price through Hot Tix). I do fully recommend it at half price.

Some nice songs, some terrific chorus numbers, some pretty good dancing, some really nice stage/lighting effects. Good multi-talented cast. End of Act One kind of slow. The central character (the dad) , I think, needs to be a bit "bigger" somehow -- so we really buy into his charm earlier. Maybe the show just needs time to gel -- I'd love to see it again at the end of the tryout run here.

Funny, Touching, Enthralling and an overall good night!