Big Fish! EMS Spring Musical

The Eastern Mennonite School theater community is preparing for a “big splash” with the musical Big Fish coming on February 28-March 2, 2025.  The production draws together over 40 students in grades 2-12 for a meaningful, wholly satisfying presentation that involves stilts, a unicycle, and hundreds of paper daffodils!

Joy Anderson returns as the director for the musical production of Big Fish and is assisted by three EMS alumni:  Liz Marin ‘10 (co-assistant director), Thad Jackson ‘20 (co-assistant director), and Miles Curry ‘20 (dance captain and production assistant).  Other significant leaders for the production are Jim Clemens as pianist and pit conductor, Mark Gornto as technical director, Malea Gascho as art director, Bin-Shin So with choreography, and Bazel Gibson as a production assistant. 

Big Fish, based on a 1998 book and 2003 film, is the story of the fracture and repair of a father/son relationship played by juniors Zach Halteman ‘26 and Jackson Comfort ‘26.  The storyline shifts between past and present day timelines where Edward Bloom is at the end of his life regaling his son Will with his larger-than-life, fantastical stories that converge with a secret that had never been revealed.  

Halteman describes the event as a “high energy show and a lot of fun” and enjoys the dancing involved in his role of Edward Bloom.  Comfort encourages all to come see the production since “younger and older audiences can really connect with the story.”   He describes Big Fish as both funny and thoughtful and loves that his role as the son is serious with a lot of singing and emotion,  “I dig it!”  he adds with a laugh.

Director Joy Anderson is anticipating a moving performance and is so grateful for all the support of the community to bring Big Fish to the stage.  “We couldn’t get everything done without all the family help and support out there.  The Brubaker family has been a huge part of the set building with Dennis (past EMS faculty), Daryl ‘98 (current parent), and Eric ‘97 (current parent) putting in significant work!”  

Performances are Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1 at 7 PM, as well as Sunday, March 2 at 3 PM. in the school’s auditorium. A pay-what-you-will dress rehearsal will take place on Thursday, February 27.

Purchase tickets online at easternmennonite.org/tickets, stop by the office between 8 AM and 3:30 PM at 801 Parkwood Drive, or call 540-236-6025.