“Big Fish” is CHSS Theater Program’s biggest production yet

Ever since the Cape Hatteras Secondary School’s (CHSS) theater program was revitalized in 2022, every production has grown in scope and ambition.

Last year, the theater program and the CHSS Drama Club reached several new milestones. They were asked to perform an encore performance of “The Little Mermaid” at First Flight High School, due to the rave Hatteras Island reception, and became the first school in North Carolina to produce “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: High School Edition.”

So when announcing an upcoming and semi-annual CHSS production, it‘s almost become a running joke for Co-Director Blake Taft to attest that the new play is “the biggest and the best one yet,” and so far, that declaration has been wholly accurate.

“Big Fish,” which is premiering in April after months of rehearsals and hard work, is no exception.

“For every show we do, somehow the next one is bigger and better than the last,” said Taft. “I think we really just keep surprising ourselves on what we’re able to do.”

Co-Director Jordan Tomberlin initially recommended adopting “Big Fish” as the theater group’s spring musical for 2025, and it didn’t take long for Taft to come around to the idea.

“Honestly, I had never heard of it before,” he said. “So I went home, read the script, and listened to the music, and realized how powerful the music and the story is, and knew we had to do it. It just clicked.”

“Big Fish” is the musical version of the 2003 movie, and it’s a generational story about a son who is exasperated with his father’s larger-than-life stories, and the son’s new wife who is hearing all of these tall tales for the very first time.

“It’s more of a serious show, and a lot of students have said that the show is very ‘grown up,’” said Taft. “It deals with a lot of family dynamics that everyone deals with, but it’s very fun and magical at the same time, so everyone can find something to love in the story.”

A chunk of the story is set in the real world, but as the father’s legendary stories are shared, the audience is transported to the Korean War, a buzzing circus, and more imaginary landscapes where giants and witches can be found.

“We get to do a lot of fun stuff – for example, there’s a circus number and a USO tap number – but we’re also dealing with the more serious nature of a drama,” said Taft. “It really gives out students a new opportunity to grow.”

As one would expect with a show that shifts from a circus to a war, the sets, costumes, and visual effects are especially elaborate.

“The costumes are absolutely insane – I don’t think we have ever done a show with this many costumes,” said Taft. “Usually there’s three or four racks of costumes, and I think there’s close to six racks now. Our costume team definitely had their work cut out for them for this show.”

Like previous productions, the sets were crafted with the help of CHSS carpentry classes headed by Coach Keith Durham, and 12 students assisted with the technical aspects of the show, such as triggering the light and sound cues, running sound boards, and managing the stage action.

“Our goal is to make the program more and more student run,” said Taft. “So, all of the technicians and stage managers are students. We get to teach them important skills, but also allow them to find something new and different that maybe they didn’t know they enjoy.”

The cast is equally impressive, with a total of 24 middle and high school students who have been working for months to bring the unique and emotional story to life.

“We started rehearsing the second week of January,” said Taft. “We lost a whole week because of the snow storm, but that’s life on an island. When we build the schedule, we always allow a little extra time for weather delays.”

With intricate choreography, stunning sets, and the largest collection of costumes in the theater program’s history, Taft is confident that the spring production of “Big Fish” will exceed expectations, just like every CHSS production that came before.

And like previous shows, he emphasizes that the show isn’t just for parents, students, and teachers – it’s designed to entertain the entire island community.

“I’m really excited for this show. The kids have come so far in their growth, and we want to community to see just how talented they are,” said Taft. “Everyone always says it’s amazing to see the level of performances the kids bring to the stage, and I think this show is going to be the next step up.”

“I am so excited for all the final details to come together, because it’s unlike anything we have done,” he added. “I really think we’re all going to be talking about this one for quite a while.”

How to catch the show

• Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, and are currently for sale at the front office of CHSS, the United Bank in Buxton, and at The Froggy Dog Restaurant in Avon. Proceeds go to support the CHSS Drama Club.
• “Big Fish” will be performed on Friday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the CHSS Auditorium.