Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...One of the reasons for the struggles of this show, I think, was the thrilling visual exuberance of the source movie - in some ways, the original designers were theatricalizing something already brilliantly rendered in theatrical colors. What the piece needs now is simplicity, intimacy and a closer walk with an audience ready to be reminded of how nice wallpaper won't tuck you in at night."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Now, at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, the show, in its first “professional staged local edition,” has found a whole new life. Unencumbered by the elephantiasis of New York expectations, it has found its ideal scale, which turns out to be intimate, though certainly not storefront in dimensions. More crucially, thanks to director Bill Pullinsi’s ideal casting, and his unwavering focus on crystal clear storytelling and deeply honest relationships, the show has found its all-important heart. As a result, both John August’s book for the musical, and Andrew Lippa’s lovely, at times whimsical score, can now be fully savored."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Nathan Gardner and Stef Tovar lead this diverse ensemble as Will and Edward Bloom. Gardner portrays Will, a man who is about to experience his own adventures by getting married to his love Josephine (played by Callie Johnson) and becoming a father himself. Gardner delivers a genuine performance of a man who simply wants to know his father without all of the crazy tales he's heard over the years. Throughout his performance, he does manage to hit major punchlines to get laughs, while also capturing tender moments between him and his father."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Based on the novel “Big Fish: A Novel of Mythical Proportions”written by Daniel Wallace, and the movie “Big Fish”written by John August( 1998) , the Broadway musical that came into Chicago several years ago (2013) before Broadway, has now landed in , of all places, Munster, Indiana. The landing must be considered a spectacular one, because this production is far superior to what we saw downtown. Directed with great care and feeling by William Pullinsi, this story about a “story-teller”, instead of all the glitz and high tech that the Broadway budget allows for, this production concentrates on the values of the original story, dealing with the relationship between a father and his son."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This entertaining, family-friendly production, which focuses on loving relationships and captivating storytelling, would make an excellent Fathers Day outing. Director William Pullinsi spins a heartfelt, musical tale about family, friendships and love. It’s a musical that will touch the heart, speak to the soul and bring a laugh and a tear to everyone. For the performances of Stef Tovar and Colette Todd alone, theatergoers will be rewarded. In Edward Bloom’s talent at spinning stories that both entertain and teach, audiences will leave the theatre a little happier and a lot wiser."
