The Connection

The McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) premieres the musical “Big Fish” to the Metro DC area this February. Led by Artistic Director, Amy Poe, and Music Director, Bobby McCoy (1st Stage, Keegan, McLean Community Players), the award-winning company brings this big-hearted musical of a father's story, a son's journey and life's epic adventure. “Big Fish” premieres with a special Feb. 16 President’s Day preview show, 2 p.m. followed by a single weekend run Feb. 19-22, Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. Performances are in McLean’s Burks Auditorium with advance tickets available at www.mcleandrama.com.

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, “Big Fish” is a new Broadway musical featuring music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by esteemed screenwriter John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). “Big Fish” centers on Edward Bloom, who sweeps the audience into a fantasy as he recounts his seemingly impossible life stories. Edward’s far-fetched tales represent his unique outlook on the world; he sees life as an adventure and himself as the hero. Complete with acrobatics, juggling, ariel silks and thrilling big-stage dance numbers, this musical reminds us why we love going to the theatre for an experience that's richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.

Director Amy Poe said, “We are very excited that the McLean Theatre Company will debut this magical and moving adventure to the Metro D.C. community. After premiering “Catch Me If You Can” last spring and thrilling audiences with the outrageous “The Addams Family” this fall, our company is ready for the challenge of the spectacular that is “Big Fish.” The show’s technical elements and stunning performances will create an atmosphere where it appears the impossible is achieved. We want the audience to embrace Edward Bloom’s incredible interpretation of the mundane. Through witnessing Edward’s ‘big fish’ tales, the audience learns that reality is relative and perception is possibility.”

Following his recent recognition as a National YoungArts Finalist and nomination as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, Alex Stone appears as Edward Bloom while recent DCMetrotheaterarts.com award recipients, Jack Posey and Rachel Lawhead, appear as Will and Sandra Bloom respectively. Principal characters round out with Matt Lucero as the giant, Karl, Will Stockton as Amos Calloway, Emma Gold as Josephine Bloom, Thomas Kelty and Jeffery Nolan as Don and Zacky Price, Helena Doms as The Witch and Nicole Sheehan as Jenny Hill.

“Big Fish” premieres Feb. 16 with a special President’s Day preview show at 2 p.m. followed by a single weekend run Feb. 19-22, Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. MTC welcomes the CAPPIES and National Thespian adjudicators to Saturday evening’s performance. Performances are in McLean’s Burks Auditorium with advance tickets available at www.mcleandrama.com. “Big Fish” is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW).

McLean Theatre Company comprises students, parents and teachers at McLean High School working together to produce challenging and award winning theatrical productions. The home of McLean Theatre Company is the 600 seat Burks Auditorium and the more intimate 75 seat Black Box Theater at 1633 Davidson Road, McLean.