But come the third weekend in March, the stage will be transformed into a beautiful, daffodil-filled meadow in Alabama as nearly 100 student performers, orchestra, and crew members bring the annual all-school musical, Big Fish: School Edition, to life.

The musical, with book by John August and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, is under the direction of Lauren Scharf, with vocal direction by Melissa Beichner, choreography created by Jennie Cross, and pit orchestra direction by Emma Sage, as well as dozens of parent and student volunteers.

“Big Fish is a big show — there’s a lot of room for a diverse cast,” said Scharf, who has served as musical director since 2017. “There’s a large number of leads and supporting characters in addition to a big ensemble. When going through our options, I really enjoyed the story and structure of the show. We produced a more traditional and serious show last year, and while Big Fish definitely has serious moments and can be sad, there’s an uplifting, happy ending to it.”

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest. A rollicking fantasy set in the American South, Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him–most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, who is getting married and expecting a child of his own, doesn’t think there’s any truth to the extravagant tales his father tells about meeting witches, kissing mermaids, or joining the circus. He doesn’t even believe the story of how his father proposed to his mother, Sandra, in a field full of daffodils. When Edward’s health begins to decline, Will visits his father and tries one last time to find out who his father really is, unraveling the man from the myth, the truth from the tall tales. As Edward and Will’s relationship becomes increasingly strained, Will must decide whether to accept his father’s wild stories as fact or risk losing him completely.

Stavros Singleton as Edward Bloom, right, leans his head on Emma Higbee, who portrays his wife Sandra during a scene from Big Fish.

“The score is so fun and it incorporates such a variety of music,” Scharf said. “There are some songs with a country-feel that have a rollicking baseline, and then you get to the USO show with very tight harmonies a la Andrews Sisters, and then you get into The Witch’s song and it’s very funky. Each of the styles are reflective of what’s happening in that moment.”

Senior Emma Higbee portrays Sandra Bloom. A cast member in each school musical since her freshman year, this year’s show marks the first time she’ll portray a leading role.

“This is pretty big for me and it’s been such an incredible experience,” she said. “Of all of the shows we’ve done, this is my favorite. This year, we really mix well together as a cast. We’re all connected. There’s a lot of nervousness about performing in front of an audience, but in the end we end up sobbing because we’ll miss it.”

Junior Kaitlyn Kennedy portrays the Mermaid character in the show and also serves as the cast’s dance captain.

“I love the different varieties of dance,” she said. “We get to do different things — there’s a fun tap number and a fun jazz number and then there’s a big opening number with everyone. There’s a lot of variety.”

A scene from the 2023 JHS Musical Big Fish: School Edition, which will be presented March 16, 17, and 18. Stavros Singleton as Edward Bloom, right, addresses the cast during a recent rehearsal at Jamestown High School. Submitted photos

The opening number — “Be The Hero” — is also a favorite for junior Isaac Sinatra.

“When the songs are really good, that’s when you know it’s a good musical,” said Sinatra, who plays Amos Calloway. “The opening number is really fun and includes a part called the ‘Alabama Stomp.’ When everyone really gets into it, hearing the stomping on stage at the beginning — it’s really incredible.”

The production is buoyed by an “incredible” group of parents and community volunteers with talents that vary, Scharf noted.

Jerry Costantini, Joe and Cathy Sinatra, Frank Galeazzo, Andrew Johnson, Robert Torres, and so many others donated time in building sets, while Jen Hanlon, Tammy Nordwall, Julie Gable, Tamsin Pope, Jan Freeman, and Norma DeJoy have helped design and create costumes. Traci Stevenson serves as Scharf’s production assistant, while Carl Brand has assisted with graphic design and the production of the playbill.

JHS English teacher Charles McKenna even helped students learn how to juggle.

“I’m so grateful to them all for their help — it’s truly an all-hands-on-deck experience,” Scharf said. “I have kids’ parents who come in and they are making connections with other parents and students. It’s nice to have that. It’s amazing to see them build a little community of their own.”

The community is also something Sinatra loves.

“I love the family we build,” he said. “It’s always sad to see the seniors go because we’ve grown so close to them.”

“In school, you have your set friend groups but then the musical brings a bunch of them together. The musical brings a lot of people together,” added Kennedy. “We really do become a family. It’s special.”

Outside of social connection, Scharf said that the musical also helps students learn the importance of interpersonal skills like empathy, teamwork, and commitment.

“Every year there are students who come out for the musical who I may not expect. I really think it helps them find their way,” she said. “I think the musical gives students an opportunity to look at other people’s experiences, fiction or nonfiction, and become empathetic to those characters’ and their lives. They get to embody something outside of themselves and in turn they can learn something about themselves by becoming another character. I think these kids need that ability to look at others to really understand the kind of person they are.”

“Those are the interpersonal skills that kids can get from being in the musical — discipline, commitment, understanding how even if you have a small role, it’s integral to the wellbeing of the show.”

Tickets for Big Fish are $8 dollars for general admission and can be purchased at the door or by visiting our.show/jhsbigfish. Online sales will have an additional service fee.