Throughout my time in the cast of Big Fish, a truly inspiring musical, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with many talented, amazing people. From the cast to the pit to the stage crew and staff, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. They create an atmosphere of pure joy that can rarely be found anywhere else. I have had the pleasure of highlighting every department by interviewing these remarkable individuals who show us what it means to be part of such an incredible experience. Here’s an inside perspective on what it’s like behind the scenes of Big Fish!
Pit Orchestra
“It’s cool to see how things have progressed from the beginning, to now, seeing how far everyone has come, especially working with the professionals and the actors on stage” – Mr. Ryan Krywinski is on the drum set in the pit; favorite song: “Red, White, and True”.
“I like playing this difficult music so that I can better my craft and playing goofy instruments like the mandolin. I like working with the professionals…especially Mr. Fischer” – Ethan Jacobson, senior, on guitar in the pit. Favorite songs: “Magic in the Man”, “Closer to Her”, “This River Between Us”.
Crew
“I get to watch the play behind the scenes, which is really cool to see the little things that go into the scenes, like behind the scenes, and seeing how it all comes together” – Jake Pristas, freshman, stage right. Favorite songs: “Red White and True” and “The Witch”.
“It’s fun seeing the pit really close, I like seeing the actors up close and hearing the music” – Max Mendizabal, freshman, fish thrower!
“I love the chaos in quick changes. It’s so much fun getting to work with the different actors, and kind of getting a sneak peek of what’s going on on stage and being a part of something big. We pull it off in the end, and me and David work so well together” – Leah Dadas, senior, quick change for the lead.
“I like going and laughing a lot with the people in crew…I like helping in whatever way I can, and I feel like being in leadership in crew is the best way to do it. I also like doing flies (flying things in and out)” – Andrew Scraggs, junior, deck chief. Favorite songs: “This River Between Us” and “The Witch”.
“I love helping the cast and everyone and helping everything go smoothly. [My favorite part] is helping out with props and doing quick transitions between scenes” – Robyn Kajewski, senior, deck chief. Favorite songs: “The Witch” and “I Don’t Need a Roof”.
Elementary and Middle School Actors
“My favorite thing about working with the older kids is I’ve always liked coming to the high school…I’ve been naturally drawn to the [high schoolers], so it just makes the whole thing turn out really good. Big Fish has a lot of stories, and I really like the character development. It’s because I get to show my body language and how shocked I am and I think I’m really good at doing that, and I think the story is coming alive right in front of me and the process is just really fun” – Aubrey Harrison, 4th grader, ensemble member. Favorite song: “Red, White, and True”.
“I feel like my favorite part of Big Fish is…I can learn from [the older kids], so when I get to high school I will be a lot better than I am now. I get to be myself and don’t have to play someone that I’m not, I feel like I can relate to my character and it’s easier to act” – Jason Laposa, 7th grader, plays young Will. Favorite song – “The Witch”.
Principal Characters
“[I love] interacting with people, I enjoy looking around and having unscripted moments with the cast…there’s always something that happens, everything is always so sweet to me. Just knowing that everyone is still human behind the characters, too, is amazing. I like to be able to sing, dance, and act, I like doing all of it. I like being everywhere at the same time” – Gabby Greffen, senior, plays Sandra Templeton. Favorite song: every single song!
“I love the social aspect of it, I really like having connections with people that I normally wouldn’t, and we all come together. I really like the emotions that Will goes through, he starts off happy and changes a lot in the story, and I love portraying the mix of emotions he goes through. My favorite part about being a lead is being able to sing and act by myself, knowing all eyes on me and I love the feeling of knowing that I did it by myself” – Jimmy O’Donnell, senior, plays Will Bloom. Favorite song: “Red, White, and True”.
“I was involved in three shows including Big Fish, and I love making fun memories with such a great cast. I play Jenny Hill, and I like how she always speaks her mind and how sweet she is” – Mia Blasi, junior, plays Jenny Hill.
“It’s about making new friends, and having a good time while making fun memories. I play Zacky Price, and I love acting like a wimp all the time and jumping into Miles’ arms. I like saying my lines and putting my costume on…I’ll continue to be in theater. I wasn’t expecting to get a big part, its kind of cool” – Sam Pschorr, freshman, plays Zacky Price. Favorite song: “Start Over”.
Staff
“Working with the students keeps me on my toes in the best way possible. My favorite part about helping the students grow is helping them find the emotional context behind everything and the story behind everything.” – Miss Felicia Villa, musical director. Favorite song: “Be the Hero”.
