Designs by Beth Joos

"Big Fish" is a musical that spans several decades and dwells in fantasy as well as reality.  Most in this cast of 17 averaged five costume changes.  Often, the costumes reflected character changes as well as passage of time or change of circumstance.  The fantasy elements include a mermaid, witches, a giant, a werewolf and a shabby circus.  All costume changes were accomplished just off stage since the plot moves from fantasy to reality and back and forth through time without a break in the action.  This show was challenging on several levels but exhilarating in its demands for costumes that were creative, comfortable and met the demands of rapid changes.  I'm especially proud of the witches.  According to the text, southern towns boast of earthy "witches" that inhabit and make mischief in the surrounding woods.  Folklore of this sort is costuming gold. 

Rick Endres, Photographer