"Big Fish" Fails to Make a Big Splash

To the dismay of many musical lovers, the new Broadway musical "Big Fish" is set to close in late December. The musical was about a sick man sharing his larger-than-life stories. Based on the 2003 movie, "Big Fish" created a large amount of buzz in the Broadway community. Tony Award winner

Norbert Leo Butz is the starring role, another huge noteworthy aspect. Because of Butz's high acclaim and the intriguing storyline, the musical had very high expectations. Unfortunately, these expectations were not met in the minds of the critics.

Personally, I was very intrigued by the musical. I had seen the movie and hoped to one day see the show. As an aspiring public relations specialist for a Broadway show, I have to wonder if the problem was in the marketing for the show. I mentioned before the buzz the show created among the community. They had a larger-than-life story and a Tony Award winner to play the role. For some reason, the show was a complete miss. Perhaps, the timing wasn't right. Maybe the target audience wasn't at an age to have the ability to see the show.

To me, the show sounds like a family show. A show parents and their children would see together to indulge in the beauty of storytelling. The critics might not have felt the musical hit this mark. Also, reaching families with an entity as expensive as a Broadway musical is difficult. Tickets are very expensive, and unless it's "The Little Mermaid," younger children would rather be somewhere else than in a theatre for a couple hours.

Working with a Broadway show is difficult. Sometimes runs are cut short on a show most think is incredible. If the show is unable to make money, a higher power in the Broadway community decides they're done. Although upsetting, sometimes musicals are revived and thrive more than the original. I suppose all we can hope for is that someone in the future decides to do exactly that. I was really touched by a statement from Dan Jinks, one of the "Big Fish" producers, quoted in the above article. He is quoted saying, "‘Big Fish’ is about the passing on of stories, and from the tremendous audience reaction we have received, we know our tale will live on." As actors and actresses, as well as in public relations, the most important part in touching those who are exposed to your message. Striking a fire within them to change the world. Maybe it won't happen right away, but we can only hope the messages we send out will inspire others to share it.