The play runs in the Premier Hall, Thurles from Tuesday next, March 19 until Saturday, March 23.
This blockbusting show has seen the almost 70 strong cast and chorus rehearsing intensely since before Christmas under the watchful tutelage of Director Oliver Hurley, Musical Director Mary-Rose McNally, and Dance Captain Siobhán King.
“The spectacular set and stage which is being managed by Anthony Kirby and directed by Rita Callanan and their teams needs to be seen to be believed with the promise of something truly spectacular and unique in the Premier Hall – a venue which has hosted all the big showbands from Dickie Rock to Brendan Bowyer and many more down through the years,” said Noel Dundon, PRO and Vice Chairman of the Society.
The show centres around the fantastical life of Edward Bloom, played by David McElgunn – the tragic dreamer and hero of the story – and the characters he meets along the way. It is a wonderfully upbeat tale with great music, stunning choreography and catchy tunes which will have you hooked from the opening number to the concluding finale.
“This is a brilliant show with great tempo, musical score and tunes which will have you humming along all the way through. It’s fantasy meets reality in a blockbusting production which the Society cannot wait to bring to audiences,” said Mr Dundon.
“In total there will be in excess of 100 people involved in this production and considering it is an Irish premiere, we are expecting visitors from all over the country, and even further afield, to arrive in Thurles for one of the five nights.”
With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by John August, Big Fish is based on Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, and the 2003 film Big Fish written by John August and directed by Tim Burton.
The story revolves around the relationship between Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman, and his adult son Will, played by John Hayes.
The story shifts between two timelines. In the present-day real world, sixty-year-old Edward Bloom (Eanna Hayes) faces his mortality while his son, Will, prepares to become a father himself.
In the storybook past, Edward ages from a teenager, encountering a Witch (Linda Ryan), a Giant (Frank Tuohy), a Mermaid, and the love of his life, Sandra (Fiona Delaney). The stories meet as Will discovers the secret his father never revealed.
Among other main role players in this show are Trisha McElgunn, Marie Therese Kirby, Barry Derby, Brendan Bailey, Ben Collins, Shannon O’Halloran, Denise King, Noel Dundon and John Butler.
“Thurles Musical Society is very excited to be bringing this show to the stage for the very first time in Ireland and members feel incredibly privileged to be the first ones to perform it,” added Mr Dundon.
“But, with that privilege comes responsibility and the cast and chorus have been flat out ensuring that everything will be right for the run which is attracting great interest from around the country.
“While there are almost seventy on stage the excitement is certainly mounting as they get closer and closer to the opening night. It will be a very busy few days for all between now and Tuesday evening with all of the final preparations being carried out.”
Tickets can be booked online through GR8 Events or booking also takes place at the Bookworm, Liberty Square, Thurles on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 14 – 16 from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
