Bryce Parr-
The University Theatre will be hosting a production of “Big Fish” starting Friday, April 6th. In the musical, Edward Bloom, played by University of Wisconsin-Stout senior Gus Johnson, shares fantastical tales of his encounters with a giant, a witch, and a mermaid with his son Will Bloom, played by senior Kevin Pelzel.
“This is the most lively, ambitious, heartfelt and fun show I’ve ever done here at Stout,” Johnson said. The musical is based on Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions and Tim Burton’s 2003 film “Big Fish.” The production is directed by Paul Calenberg.
The show will be staged at the Harvey Hall Theatre. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6, Saturday, April 7 and Thursday, April 12, through Saturday, April 14. There will also be a matinee at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. They may be purchased online or at the Memorial Student Center Service Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door before each show.
“I love everyone in the cast, but it’s been particularly special to do one final show with two of my best buddies, Ryan Vanden Boomen and Theo Linder, who have helped me extensively with my YouTube video projects over the last few years.” Johnson is well known for his YouTube channel.
This will be Johnson’s last show with the University Theatre. “This character is somewhat like me. He’s an unconventional storyteller who comes to the end of his journey with the people he loves,” Johnson said. “I usually play the bad guys or the weirdos, so It’s a nice change of pace to be playing the somewhat romantic lead for once, even though he’s a bit of a goofball as well.”