In folklore and mythology, the concept of a "big fish witch" or a witch with a resemblance to a big fish has been found in different cultures around the world. These mythical creatures are often associated with water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. They possess supernatural abilities and are known for their mischievous and sometimes malevolent nature. The idea of a big fish witch can be traced back to ancient legends and stories. In some tales, they are depicted as shapeshifters who can transform themselves into giant fish or half-human, half-fish creatures. These witches are believed to have the power to control water and bring about storms, floods, and other natural disasters.
As Will so poignantly points out: “Have you ever heard a joke so many times you’ve forgotten why it’s funny? And then you hear it again and suddenly it’s new. You remember why you loved it in the first place.”
Jenny admits to Will that she loved his father and that he never loved her back, that she was living in a fairytale and that his wife was always his reality. He tells the giant that he is also too big for a small town and decides that they should leave together and go to the big city where they can be big together.
These witches are believed to have the power to control water and bring about storms, floods, and other natural disasters. The big fish witch is often seen as a symbol of danger and death, as they are said to lure unsuspecting victims into the water and drown them. They are known for their seductive and alluring appearance, using their beauty and charm to attract humans and then lead them to their doom.
Big Fish
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…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.
Check-out composer and lyricist Andrew Lippa’s BIG FISH page at andrewlippa.com!
Watch a trailer for the original Broadway production of BIG FISH, featuring two-time Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz
Watch Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin perform the beautiful duet “Times Stops” in BIG FISH
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ACT I
The curtain rises on present-day EDWARD BLOOM (50s) at the banks of a river, skipping rocks. His son WILL (20s) is getting married the next day. Will asks Edward not to tell any of his crazy stories at the wedding. Edward reluctantly agrees. As Will thinks back, he trades places with YOUNG WILL (8). Edward doesn’t want to read his son a bedtime story from a book, but rather tell a story about life (“Be the Hero”), which introduces many characters from Edward’s impossible stories. Edward’s wife SANDRA reminds them that it’s time for bed, but Young Will wants to know more about THE WITCH who showed Edward how he would die (“The Witch”). The story returns to present day. Preparing for the wedding, Edward reveals his suspicion that Will’s fiancée, JOSEPHINE, is pregnant. Will confirms the hunch and swears Edward to secrecy. But Edward can’t help himself, revealing the news in a toast to the crowd. In parallel scenes at doctors’ offices, Will and Josephine learn they’re going to have a son, while Edward and Sandra learn that Edward’s cancer has progressed. In New York’s Central Park, Will sings of the wonder and mystery of his future child (“Stranger”), but his joy is interrupted by a phone call from his mother, telling him about Edward’s condition. Will says he’s coming home. In the backyard, Sandra tells Will that although he and Edward can be a handful, she loves them both (“Two Men”). Josephine is eager to hear more of Edward’s stories, so he launches into a tale of his high school days (“Ashton’s Favorite Son”), including his small-town girlfriend (JENNY HILL) and his arch-rival (DON PRICE). Edward journeys to a cave to confront a giant that is frightening the town. But rather than fight KARL THE GIANT, he befriends him and convinces him to join him on an adventure to see the world. (“Out There on the Road”). Back in the present, Josephine gets Will to tell her the story of how his parents met, which brings them to the Calloway Circus. Sandra and two friends audition for ringmaster AMOS CALLOWAY (“Little Lamb from Alabama”), during which Edward falls in love with her at first sight (“Time Stops”). Amos hires Karl The Giant, while Edward agrees to work for the circus for free in exchange for one monthly clue about Sandra (“Closer to Her”). After three years of toil, Amos (secretly a werewolf) finally reveals that her name is Sandra, she goes to Auburn University, and she loves daffodils. In the present, Josephine discovers a mortgage signed by Edward and Jenny Hill. Will wonders why his father would buy a house with a woman other than his mother. Edward travels to Auburn, only to discover that Sandra is engaged to be married to Don Price from Ashton. Don beats up Edward, but that convinces Sandra to break up with Don. Edward promises to love Sandra forever (“Daffodils”). They kiss.
ACT II
Reeling from the discovery of the mortgage, Will wonders if his dad had a second life. A second family. At a campfire, Edward tells Young Will and other scouts about his adventures during The War (“Red, White, and True”), in which he defeats the poison assassin Red Fang. Young Will confronts his father on the impossible historical details. Later, Edward tells Sandra and Young Will he’ll be traveling more for work. Edward tells Young Will he’ll be the man of the house. He needs to be brave and “Fight the Dragons.” In the present, Will attempts to ask his father about the mortgage, but Edward keeps derailing the conversation with jokes and talk of wooly mammoths. When Will brings up Ashton, Edward grows angry and throws him out. Calmed down by Sandra, Edward falls into an uneasy sleep and dreams of a Western-style duel over the issue (“Showdown”). He wakes up yelling and confused in the middle of a thunderstorm. Sandra comforts him, telling him “I Don’t Need a Roof” to feel at home. She only needs Edward. Will travels to Ashton, where he meets Jenny Hill. She tells him the story of what happened when Edward returned to Ashton. The valley is about to be flooded by a new reservoir, yet the townsfolk refuse to leave, chaining themselves to a statue in protest. Edward convinces them to build a new Ashton (“Start Over”). He gets land from Amos and money from Karl, both of whom have become successful because of Edward. Only Jenny Hill refuses to leave. She’d been waiting in Ashton all these years for Edward to return. To save her life, Edward reconnects with her, and co-signs the mortgage on a new house. They kiss — but Edward breaks it off. From the moment he saw her until the moment he dies, Sandra is the only woman he’ll love. As Jenny Hill finishes the story, Will gets a phone call. Edward’s condition has worsened. Alone in the hospital with the unconscious Edward, Will tells him that he went to Ashton, and that he now understands the reason for his stories. Edward stirs, in pain, and asks Will to tell him how he dies. Will has to make up the story on the spot (“What’s Next”) of how Edward escapes the hospital and travels to the river, where everyone from his stories is waiting for him. At the river, Edward sings about his life and what it meant (“How it Ends”). Back in reality, Edward dies in the hospital bed. The funeral takes place at the river’s edge. As the guests shake Will’s hand, he sees that each is the real-world equivalent of the characters from Edward’s stories. A few years later, Will teaches his own son to fish, and the secret his father taught him (“Be the Hero” reprise).
Book by JOHN AUGUST Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA
Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
8 female, 10 male, and 1 boy featured roles.
He tells us that his town of Ashton had a giant that was unable to control it's appetites and ate the people's townspeople's livestock. The townspeople were ready to get violent, so he decided to fix the problem by telling the giant that he and it leave town and go to a big city together. The giant represents his sexual appetites, and is an obvious metaphor for an erect penis. The giant's actions represent Edward's affair with another man's wife. The other woman was Sandra but was represented by Mildred, the woman that gave him "pie". His penis grows, or becomes giant, when he is horny. So when the townspeople sent him and the giant away, it was really Jenny putting him out for being unfaithful.
It is believed that these witches feast on the souls of their victims, gaining power and sustenance from their suffering. In some cultures, big fish witches are regarded as malevolent deities or spirits who bring about misfortune and chaos. They are associated with curses and black magic, capable of causing illness, infertility, and other forms of harm. They are feared and respected, and rituals and offerings are often performed to appease them and seek protection from their wrath. The concept of the big fish witch serves as a cautionary tale, reminding people of the dangers that lie in the waters and the need to be cautious and respectful of nature. It also reflects the fascination and fear that humans have towards the unknown and the supernatural. The image of a big fish witch continues to captivate the imagination of people, inspiring stories, artworks, and cultural traditions. Whether seen as a mythical creature or a symbolic representation of human fears and desires, the big fish witch remains an intriguing and enigmatic figure in folklore and mythology..
Reviews for "The Big Fish Witch: A Gateway to Understanding the Mysteries of the Sea"
1. John - 2 stars - While I understand that "Big Fish Witch" was meant to be a whimsical and fantastical film, I found it to be overly confusing and convoluted. The plot jumped around so much that it was hard to keep track of what was happening. Additionally, I found most of the characters to be unrelatable and unlikable. Overall, I was disappointed with this film and did not find it enjoyable.
2. Emily - 1 star - I can honestly say that "Big Fish Witch" is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The storyline was bizarre and made no sense. The acting was subpar and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The film seemed to be trying too hard to be quirky and unique, but it just came off as ridiculous. I would not recommend wasting your time on this film.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Big Fish Witch" after hearing positive reviews, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The pacing was incredibly slow and I found myself losing interest multiple times throughout the film. The combination of fantasy and reality was jarring and not executed well. Overall, I was disappointed and felt like the film wasted a lot of potential.