Cardinal Players theater club prepare for 'Big Fish: The Musical' adaption

The Medical Lake High School Cardinal Players theater club is getting ready to stage its spring production - an adaption of "Big Fish: The Musical."

"Big Fish" is based on Daniel Wallace's 1988 novel, which was later adapted into a film by Tim Burton in 2003, followed by a Broadway musical in 2013. The story focuses on the relationship between Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman and storyteller, and his son Will, who searches for the truth behind his father's tales.

Alex Hamby, the club's public relations officer, said many of the actors have little to no theater experience and "Big Fish" is a complex musical that will get them out of their shells.

Many of the cast, including Shay McIntyre who plays the lead, Edward Bloom, and Chris Keister, who is cast as Will Bloom, are in the high school choir.

"But singing in a musical is different," Hamby added.

Hamby said it took a little bit for the club to start up at the beginning of the year as they were without an adviser until Ross Niblock stepped in to fill the role. Niblock, who has worked with Theater Arts for Children, became the club's adviser after he spoke to Debbie Munyon of StageWest Community Theater.

"My kids are involved with productions at StageWest and Debbie told me the group would have to find an adviser or fold the club," he said. "I was basically 'voluntold' to take up the role."

Niblock mainly helps the club on the production side. Like Hamby, Niblock described "Big Fish" as a much more complex show but the "actors are coming along nicely."

"'Big Fish' is not a beginner's show," Niblock said. "It's 22 songs and 11 big dance numbers, though we've abbreviated some of the show. I'm proud of what they've been able to accomplish so far."

Although Niblock is the club's adviser, Hamby explained that the group is more of a student-led organization. She said many of the students in the club are performers, however club members can also dabble in other aspects of theater.

"Kids can be included in the play in a backstage role and still act in it," Hamby said. She is the prop master and will play the role of the Witch in the musical. "We want to give them as much time on stage. This is a good starting point if they want to continue in theater."

Hamby said club officers also help newer performers with reducing their stage fright.

"If there are any problems, we'll help them," Hamby said. "We want to provide a safe place where kids can come and express their theatrical persona."

One of these students is Eric Davis, who is directing the musical. Davis said directing was not something he intended to do right away, but he wants to immerse himself in all aspects of theater.

"We have some people at Cardinal Players who are doing some great things," Davis added.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.