The regional Slow Burn Theatre Company have found a home for the 2015-2016 season in the Amaturo Theatre in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with a seating capacity of 590 patrons. On their opening night they presented a winning production of “Big Fish” based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the movie written by John August for director Tim Burton who also wrote the book for this Broadway version .

Full disclosure: I am a sucker for a father & son story,a love story and Broadway musicals. “Big Fish” encompassed all three and, though not a perfect show, the music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa brought us back to a time when we weren’t so cynical, when we could leave a theatre humming a song about being your own hero.

The story revolves around the relationship between Edward Bloom and his son Will who is about to become a father himself. Edward was a storyteller and Will believes he never knew who his father really was. In between and loving them both is Sandra Bloom, wife and mother.

It is important at this point to mention that before the show started Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater, who also directed and choreographed this show, announced that the whole cast was made up of original talent from the region and in Shane Tanner (Edward), Justin Fox-Hall (Will) and Ann Marie Olson (Sandra) he has struck gold. Whether singing duos or solos all three shine and they make you feel this is truly a family. When Olson sings “I Don’t Need A Roof” she raises the roof, while Fox-Hall,, not knowing “What’s Next”, touches your heart and Tanner is the father, the dreamer, the story teller who will make you believe fish jump out of water just for you teaching everyone how to do “The Alabama Stomp”.

The three leads are surrounded by a cast of 15 and a 6 piece live orchestra that gives them complete support and soon we are believing in giants, magicians, fighting dragons and the make believe that a good musical can draw you in as part of an evening’s experience.

While the direction by Patrick Fitzwater is first rate his choreography adds nothing to the show and in some cases takes away from it but he does an excellent job with the wig designs! With the lighting by Preston Bircher, scenic design by Sean McClelland, costumes by Rick Pena and sound design by Richard Szczublewski the whole production crew is kept busy and delivers their expertise to the show.

This production has made me interested enough to see the movie version and read the original book.

The Slow Burn Theatre Company will be presenting “Violet”, “Rude Awakening” and “Heathers” and “Big Fish” should certainly spark your interest in seeing their shows.