Family Theme Highlights Deerfield Family Theater's 'Big Fish'

DEERFIELD, IL — Since 2000, the Deerfield Family Theater has lived up to its name by focusing on entertainment for all ages, while also including children in important roles in each of its productions.

That is no different this year with DFT's upcoming production of "Big Fish," based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton. The first show is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the recently renovated Mitchell L. Slotnick Center in Highland Park.

"Attendees should expect to laugh and cry," Susie Mason, DFT board president, told Patch. "There is a lot of poignancy in the story, but there are also a lot of very whimsical, fanciful parts and corny jokes. I think audiences will be blown away by the talent and completely captivated by the story. This is a beautiful show in every way."

Seven cast members are from Deerfield, while the remainder of the cast reside in nearby towns including Northbrook, Island Lake, Chicago, Long Grove, Hoffman Estates, Morton Grove, Arlington Heights and Lincolnshire.

According to DFT, "Big Fish" tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest... and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him — most of all, his devoted wife, Sandra. But their son, Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, "Big Fish" reminds us that all of our stories deserve to be told ... and heard.

Mason, who is also cast in the show as Dr. Bennett, said she saw "Big Fish" performed a number of years ago and loved it so much that she wanted to make sure DFT got a chance to perform it. The DFT production will include two songs not in the original version of the show — "Magic in the Man" and "This River Between Us."

"The whole theme is family. The story is beautiful and sad, but filled with fantasy, humor and wonderful music, dance and spectacle as well," Mason said. "Additionally, it had a substantial part for a child, and that is part of Deerfield Family Theater’s mission — to have children and adults performing together."

The cast:

• Aaron Stash, of Northbrook, as Edward Bloom
• Joe Grudt, of Island Lake, as Will Bloom
• Elise De Roulet, of Deerfield, as Sandra Bloom
• Leigh Goldsmith, of Chicago, as Josephine Bloom
• Kevin Acuña, of Long Grove, as Karl the Giant
• JC O'Sullivan, of Morton Grove, as Amos Calloway
• Peter Van Eck, of Hoffman Estates, as Don Price
• Liesl Hoeldtke, of Chicago, as The Witch
• Amanda Van Eck, of Hoffman Estates, as Jenny Hill
• Michael Barker, of Arlington Heights, as Zacky Price
• Ben Jacobs, of Deerfield, as Young Will
• Billie Baer, of Deerfield, Zoe Bryan, of Deerfield, Susan Mason, of Deerfield, Angela Meehan, of Deerfield, Eliza Sible, of Linconshire, Amy Torf, of Northbrook, and Sue Vani, of Deerfield, as Ensemble

The production team includes: Lauren Berman (director), Lee Rivlin, of Deerfield (producer), Ellen Singer (music director), Kelly Lohrenz (choreographer), Ariel Mozes (set designer), Jade Andres (costume/prop designer) and Emma Olson (manager/technical director).

While only a few seats remain for opening night, five additional performances will follow on Nov. 12 and 13 and the following weekend (Nov. 18-20). Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on Sundays. To purchase tickets, visit deerfieldfamilytheater.com.