Moonlight’s ‘Big Fish’ delivers emotional finale

Moonlight Amphitheatre’s “Big Fish” is a well-acted and sung musical with a finale that is likely to bring a tear to your eye.

The 2013 Broadway musical, based on a 2003 movie of the same name and the 1998 novel “Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions,” is closing Moonlight’s 35th summer season. It runs through Sept. 26.

“Big Fish” shows how as an adult, Will Bloom (Patrick Cummings) tries to discover the truth about his dying father, Edward Bloom (Josh Adamson), since Edward’s life-long tales of adventure seem too far fetched to be real. After all, who can blame young Will (Elliot Weaver) and adult Will from questioning Edward’s truthfulness when his stories revolve around him getting his first kiss not from a girl, but a mermaid; a witch telling him how he will die; befriending a giant and meeting Will’s mother after joining a circus where his boss was a werewolf.

Though young Will initially believes his father’s stories, skepticism starts to creep in when his father cannot give concrete details — like which war he fought in — and his tales have several variations. By the time of his wedding, to avoid embarrassment, adult Will tells his father to not give a toast, tell any of his stories or reveal Will’s bride is pregnant (something Edward is not told, but figures out). Of course, Edward breaks his promise, gives a toast and announces he will soon be a grandfather. That is the final straw for Will.

But their estrangement does not last long since soon after the wedding Edward is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and his son and daughter-in-law (Andi Davis) return home to help Will’s mother Sandra (Bets Malone) take care of Edward. During the process, Will tries to finally get his father to tell the truth, which Edward up to his final breath is reluctant to do even though the truth — that Will discovers through other means — would make him more of a true hero than the image he has presented in any of his outlandish stories.

The cast does a good job in portraying the emotionally trying roles and kudos are especially due to director Steven Glaudini for the staging along with all others who brought the various tales to life (including Projection Designer John Infante and Choreographer Karl Warden).

In lieu of a traditional set, there were limited props and set pieces since backdrops were created via video. This allowed for key elements to be created on stage, such as a field of daffodils and the river, a pivotal location for the musical.

As for the actors, they were all well-suited to their roles. Special mention is due to Cummings, whose strong voice is evident in “Stranger” and Shirley Johnston (The Witch), whose rich voice is showcased in “I Know What You Want.” Adamson also deserves kudos for successfully switching between younger and older personas when the show shifts between present-day and decades earlier.

Though many scenes are somber in tone, there are many light-hearted segments as well, including the large dance numbers such as “Be the Hero,” the patriotic tap dance number “Red, White and True” and the western “Showdown.”

The costumes are impressive, especially for the giant, mermaid and witch. William Ivey Long was the costume designer, with costume coordination and execution by Roslyn Lehman, Renetta Lloyd and Carlotta Malone.

“Big Fish” can be seen at 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 26 at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. Tickets are $24 to $52, with senior, student, military and family night discounts available. Purchase at moonlightstage.com or call 760-724-2110. Parking and shuttle are free.

Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking. Bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages or purchase food and drinks (including alcohol) on site. Also bring a jacket or blanket to the outdoor venue since it can get chilly.