East Islip High School’s theater students delivered rousing performances of the school’s spring musical, “Big Fish,” on March 20-22. The production, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by John August, was based on the 2003 Tim Burton film and the earlier Daniel Wallace story “Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions.”
The leading and featured actors included senior Tyler Hilms as Edward Bloom, senior Julianna D'Addario as Sandra Bloom, senior Keith Klein as Will Bloom, senior Juliana Banville as Josephine, senior Julianna Azzizzo as Jenny Hill, junior Ethan Jensen as Karl the Giant, junior Anderson Ross as Amos Calloway, senior Stephanie Sabillon-Nunez as The Witch, freshman Kylen Curry as Don Price, freshman Wyatt Casdia as Zacky Price, freshman Lia Ciampi as Young Will, senior Emily Farrell as Dr. Bennett, sophomore Lauren Winiarski as The Mermaid, freshman Kendel Gravano as Alabama Lamb No. 1 and sophomore Paige Mathers as Alabama Lamb No. 2.
“Words do little to express just how proud I am of all the students involved in ‘Big Fish,’” director Bethany Affelt said. “This was an extremely challenging show for all of us, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fellow students, faculty and community members has shown that our hard work was recognized and celebrated. Every single actor in the cast deserved the standing ovations they received at each performance. They delivered heartfelt, funny, engaging and sometimes quite dramatic performances which were beyond the scope of what typical high school-aged students can do. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to experience this magical show with such wonderful students and the East Islip community.”
“We are so very proud of the dedication and hard work of our music team, who inspire our children each and every day to put their all into an amazing production,” Director of Art and Music Dr. Rob Wottawa said. “Our stage crew, pit, acting and technician students are all led by our outstanding teachers, who give a tremendous amount of themselves modeling the commitment required for a successful show.”
