Theatre Tuscaloosa’s “Big Fish” Makes a Big Splash in July

June 18, 2026 – Theatre Tuscaloosa presents its summer musical “Big Fish” July 17-26, book by John August, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, in the Bean-Brown Theatre (9500 Old Greensboro Rd).

This larger-than-life musical recounts the mythical life of Edward Bloom and the bedtime stories he tells his son, Will. Edward is facing his own mortality while Will is determined to separate fact from fiction and understand who his father truly is before it’s too late. Set in Alabama, “Big Fish” celebrates the power of storytelling and Southern charm, while exploring the complexities of the relationship between father and son.

A cast of more than 25 local performers will bring “Big Fish” to life. Returning to Theatre Tuscaloosa are performers Sophia Allen, Colton Crowe, Joshua Debell, Courtney Dover, Sarah Kathryn Bonds Ethridge, Donald Falls II, Finley Johnson, Baker Jones, Andrew Maughan, Avery May, Emily Seale, JoQuez Shepard, Ally Skelton, Logan Spradley, Ben Stamps, Kolby Stone, and Brady Taylor. New to the Theatre Tuscaloosa mainstage are Jennifer Browning, Allison East, Joseph Eatmon, Molly Kerr, Libby Long, Legend Newsome, Eli Sims, and Benjamin Walker. They are joined by All-Star cast members Carol DeVelice, Brent Jones, and Lindsey Jones.

“This show is a unique take on both the book and movie we know and love,” Executive Producer and Director Michael Walker said. “It has been joyful working with the designers, production staff, and this talented cast; it’s the perfect way to celebrate my first summer as Executive Producer at Theatre Tuscaloosa!”

Walker is joined by a production team including Dr. Leslie Poss, Musical Director; Cole Cabiness, Choreographer; Ashlyn Lambert, Stage Manager; Therrin Eber, Scenic Designer; Caleb Stroman, Lighting Designer; Jeanette Waterman, Costume Designer; Joey Lay, Prop Designer; and Eat My Beats, Sound Designer.

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2025-26 season is presented in partnership with Shelton State Community College and is sponsored by BankFirst, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Tuscaloosa, WVUA23, and signature sponsor Claire Friday. The 2025-26 radio partner is Townsquare Media. “Big Fish” is sponsored by Alabama Public Radio, Bank of Moundville, and Butch & Karen Chandler.

Performance dates are as follows: Friday July 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday July 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday and Wednesday July 19 and 22 at 2:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday July 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday July 25 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. A pay-what-you-can preview will be presented on Thursday July 16 at 7:30 p.m. “Big Fish,” will be presented in the Bean-Brown Theatre at the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College.

Audience members will discover a new offering at the concession stand during “Big Fish.” For the first time, red and white wine will be available in a special lidded Theatre Tuscaloosa-branded tumbler that will be allowed in the auditorium.

Tickets for “Big Fish” are on sale now. Prices are $26 for adults, $22 for seniors, members of the military, and Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Employees, $18 for students, children, and groups of 10 or more, and $10 for SSCC students. This musical is appropriate for all ages. Tickets and more information are available at www.theatretusc.com or 205.391.2277.

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Theatre Tuscaloosa is a 501c3 not-for-profit community theatre located on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. Theatre Tuscaloosa has been enriching the greater Tuscaloosa community since 1971 through quality theatrical productions and educational outreach.