About the Show

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.

HRP will perform the original Broadway version of the show. The production will be featured as part of the Rec Players’ 2025 Summer Season, and will feature a large-scale set, custom costumes, and will be accompanied by a live professional orchestra.

Important Dates

Auditions: Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 10am at First Presbyterian Church at 222 Young Street in Henderson (two blocks from McGregor Hall). When facing the building on Young Street, enter through the doors you will see to your far left. There is ample parking both on Young Street and in the lot of First Presbyterian’s Scout Building on the corner of Young and Chestnut Streets. Note that Young Street is one-way, so plan to approach the church from Garnett Street.

Callbacks: You may be asked to participate in a callback audition on Saturday, May 24, on the McGregor Hall Stage

Rehearsals: Rehearsals will begin in late May (TBA). Rehearsals will be held at both McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, and at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Innocents at 210 South Chestnut Street in Henderson. All performances will be held at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Performances: July 19 (7:30pm), July 20 (2pm), July 26 (7:30pm), July 27 (2pm)

Production Team

Director/Musical Director: Mark Hopper

Assistant Director/Choreographer: Jo Ellen Nowell

Technical Director: Matt Nowell

Stage Manager: Gee Burns

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT info@mcgregorhall.org

Resources

Inclusion and Access

McGregor Hall and the Henderson Rec Players are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As such, all performers are encouraged to audition, but especially actors with identities historically excluded from the performing arts. Particularly, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and actors with disabilities are welcomed and strongly encouraged to audition for all roles.

Auditions

As part of the audition, you will be taught both musical material and a simple dance combination from the show. You may also be given a cold read. Optionally, you may prepare approximately 16 bars of a relevant song that demonstrates your singing ability. If you choose to sing a prepared piece, bring your sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided.

PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to audition for all of Henderson Rec Players summer shows. This year, actors WILL be able to participate in both Big Fish and The Play That Goes Wrong.

If any specific accommodation would make the audition process more accessible for you, please send a message outlining your specific need to the director at markhopper@mcgregorhall.org

Register for Auditions

To register for auditions:

  1. Access your McGregor Hall Engage account or create a new one at engage.suran.com/mcgregorhall

  2. Visit engage.suran.com/mcgregorhall again and log in to your account

  3. At the top right-hand side of your screen, click the three lines beside your name, scroll to the bottom of the menu, and choose “New Registration.”

  4. Return to your account at engage.suran.com/mcgregorhall to upload a headshot if you would like (recommended).