Everyone backstage lets out a long breath as the warm lights rise on the stage and the curtains slowly open. This. This is the moment they’ve been preparing for since the fall. All of their long evenings and dedication will finally shine through on the stage, showing the community how they’ve grown not only in talent, but as a family too. 

On Friday and Saturday, WHS Fine Arts will present Big Fish the musical. The cast and crew have worked tirelessly to build a show that will blow the public out of the water. They’ve had so much fun in their time together creating their final product and bonding with each other. 

“I enjoyed meeting a ton of new people,” junior Aiden Hamilton said. “Seeing how the younger kids are taking an interest in theatre, that’s great. I hate having to do the show over and over, it’s the worst, but other than that, it’s just a lot of your time being taken up, but that’s the only thing I don’t like about it.  ‘What’s next’ is gonna be what blows these people out of the water, me and Marcus, we rock that song, ok? Just gotta say.”

The story follows Edward Bloom, as he revisits the stories of his past through tall tales. From the most hilarious moments, to points in his life that will bring a tear to every eye in the audience, the cast and crew bring Edward’s life to the stage in a beautiful way. 

“I get to play Edward Bloom,” junior Marcus Schumake said.”Getting to be the center of attention is really fun. Plus, I get to let out a lot of emotions on stage.”

Theatre kids are very much known for their dramatic flare, and the students don’t fall short. The thing they’re all most excited about is getting to be as over the top as they’re allowed. 

“I don’t love that I’m pregnant in the show,” senior Emily Alexander said. “I’m definitely excited for the part where Will is sort of throwing a tantrum about something, and I get to yell at him. That’ll be fun.”

Though the show itself is a beautiful work, the true reason to see “Big Fish” is to witness what a powerful bond the students have. Through everything, they’ve become one of the closest families, and they work as a team to bring the story of Edward Bloom alive. 

“It’s just the camaraderie between all the kids,” senior Jeremiah Russell said. “I’ve never been in theatre, and there’s just a whole bunch of theatre kids and choir kids and tech kids. They all just come together as one and enjoy the common singing, dancing and everything about the musical they just enjoy. I think we’re ready for the show. There’s still a few things we need to brush up on singing-wise, and a little bit of dancing, and then we’re good.” 

Tickets for the show are available at eventbrite.com.