You still have time to catch a "Big Fish"

The Tony Awards will be airing this coming weekend, but for those in the Bloomfield area, you still have time to see 4th Wall Theatre's 19th season closer, Big Fish. The musical, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, a book by John August, and based on the novel by Daniel Wallace, enjoyed a short run on Broadway.

4th Wall's production at the Westminster Arts Center last weekend received a fantastic audience reaction, and has three final performances on June 10 & 11 at 8:00 pm and a 3:00 pm matinee on June 12 which still gets you home in time to catch the Tony awards presentation on CBS.

Founding member and 4th Wall executive director Gwen Ricks-Spencer says, "I've always loved that 4th Wall has produced shows that everyone may not know, but which we believe to be worth sharing with an audience. We often receive feedback as patrons leave the theater thanking us for presenting these works."

Big Fish centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling Alabama salesman who lives life to the fullest. Edward's incredible larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him, especially his devoted wife Sandra. But their adult son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.

Artistic Director Kate Swan (Broadway's Beauty & The Beast) who directs Big Fish says, "This smaller version allows for theater companies such as us to tackle this beautiful story while highlighting the family dynamics, tall tales, and heart-warming love of the musical without the huge spectacle that one found when it ran on Broadway."

Markus Hauck is the musical director for 4th Wall's production and the show features Gregory G. Allen, Christopher Traina, Laurice Grae-Hauck, Alexander Wolfe, Kimberley Mesiti, Jodi Maloy, Rich Maloy, Vanessa Robinson, Tom Schopper, Patrick McLaughlin, Ashley Leone, Danny Egan, Jessica Walch and Peter Downing.

New Jersey reviewer Ruth Ross called the production, "a proficient, polished, professional production worthy of this troupe's talent and a reminder of why they are an unsung addition to local theater!" One audience member said after seeing the show they believe every group in New Jersey will want to add it to their upcoming season lists - it's that beautiful of a story.”

The musical concludes its run June 10 & 11 at 8:00 pm and June 12 at 3:00 pm at the Westminster Arts Center in Bloomfield, NJ. More information is available at www.4thwalltheatre.org. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or reserved at 973-566-9255.