Dream Production of Big Fish for Directorial Debut
When Sydney Youth Musical Theatre’s (SYMT) production Big Fish takes to the stage in early 2023, it will be the culmination of a long-held dream for its director Dylan Hayley Rosenthal. Seeing the Hayes Theatre Co production of Big Fish in 2017 was a transformative moment for the musical theatre performer, so much so that Dylan has been determined to one day direct a production of the show herself.
“Seeing Big Fish changed me,” Dylan said.
“I sat in the audience completely overwhelmed by what I was feeling – one minute tears of happiness, and the next sadness – the full spectrum of emotions in the space of two hours and forty minutes.”
As a result, when she was approached by her good friend Matthew Herne, a very experienced musical director, and asked if she would like to work with him and direct the SYMT production of the show, she jumped at the chance.
“Matt knows how passionate I am about Big Fish, I’m always talking about it, and I felt that working with him would be the perfect opportunity for me to develop my directorial skills in a supportive environment,” Dylan said.
Big Fish is about the relationship between a father, Edward Bloom and his adult son Will. Edward is a storyteller who has lived a full and very colourful life. For his entire life Will has listened to his father’s stories of his life, filled with witches, giants, circus-folk, and mermaids, but he is no longer amused by these stories which always feature his father as the hero. When Will discovers that he and his wife are having a son of their own and that Edward’s health is declining, he decides to find out the truth behind his father’s fantastical tales.
Felix Staas is playing the role of Edward, and he is looking forward to bringing the character to life on the stage.
“Edward Bloom is a travelling salesman and family man, “on the road to everywhere,” as he puts it,” said Felix.
“He sees the world in vibrant colours and wants to share that with the people in his life. He’s an incredibly passionate and driven man but at times quite a stubborn one too. He has quite the charming personality and he’s a very charismatic person, not afraid to step into the spotlight. His ultimate goal is to create a legacy around his name that lives long past him.”
Max Kendrick is playing the role of Will, who is a very different character from his father.
“Will is a very ‘by the book’ journalist, a stark contrast to his dad Edward. He only believes what he can see in front of him, and he feels a need to find the truth in everything around him,” said Max.
Max is enjoying the challenge of developing and discovering new aspects of the character of Will.
“Coming into this production my main way to develop a character was simply to copy other performers for a ‘best bits’ version of the character of sorts, but Dylan has encouraged me to find Will from a completely new angle and really make him my own,” Max said.
“Her direction is extremely helpful, and she has such a clear vision for the show.
“Dylan and the production team have brought out a performance in me of which I truly feel proud,” said Max.
Describing it as “a heartfelt, powerful, and truly magical musical about the stories we use to define ourselves,” everyone involved in the SYMT production is working hard to create what they believe will be a truly special show.
“Showcasing some of Sydney's best young performers, Big Fish is a 'big fish' of a tale itself – magnificent, spectacular, fantastical, and overflowing with love.”
“Big Fish is about the stories we use to define our identities,” said Dylan, “and the legacy we leave behind.
“Our legacy lives on through others and what we do in our life leaves an impact on other people.”
Big Fish by Sydney Youth Musical Theatre runs from 13 to 21 January 2023 at Hornsby RSL Club. Tickets are on sale at https://hornsbyrsl.iwannaticket.com.au/event/big-fish-MjczMzU
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