The Show Must Go On!

Big Fish was a tremendous success despite illness and various setbacks throughout rehearsal. This year’s musical students faced significant challenges, including snow days and illness, resulting in lost rehearsal hours. In fact, half of the crew fell ill during the production, and even the tech director was sidelined with Covid. Additionally, bad weather delayed the completion of some set artwork in the week leading up to the show, and several items ordered weeks in advance had not yet arrived by performance week!

1600 daffodils made for the show!

Nonetheless, the understudies were exceptional and rose to the occasion, while our incredible stage managers took charge. The dedicated individuals who built and worked on the set, tech, and costumes are often the unsung heroes. Even during extended makeup rehearsals, not a single complaint was heard from the students—not one. As Ms. Anderson noted, her students inspire her with hope for humanity!

“Despite all the challenges, they made it happen!” Ms. Anderson quipped.

Current Teacher: “As always, I’m amazed by the talent and dedication of our students and directors. This is a wonderful show—heartwarming and humorous.”

Current Parent: “What a fantastic show! I loved it!”

Current Student: “It was wonderful, but I didn’t expect it to be so sad!”

Whether they were running the lights, managing sound, performing in the orchestra pit, choreographing, designing costumes, working on set design, or acting in the show, our students continually impress us with their dedication to their craft and support for one another. Putting on a musical under normal circumstances is a challenge, and these students gracefully navigated their obstacles.

EMES students hold up their daffodils during the mid-day dress rehearsal

A significant moment in the play occurs when Edward Bloom proposes to his intended bride, and our art students created painted daffodil boards, parents led by Lauren Barker and leadership from Art teacher, Malea Gascho created 1600 daffodils for the audience to hold up, immersing the entire auditorium in the performance.

The skills and talents of the students shone brightly during the circus scene, leaving us in awe of the perfected aerial acts and laughing at the clowns and their silly antics.

Ms. Anderson and her faithful students and crew do it again!

Several directors played crucial roles in bringing the show to life! Joy Anderson served as director, 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 key contributors included Jim Clemens as pianist and pit conductor, Mark Gornto as technical director, Malea Gascho as art director, Bin-Shin So for choreography, and Bazel Gibson as a production assistant.

As they say in the business, the show must go on! And it certainly did, for Big Fish!