The 'Big Fish' in a small pond | Cascadia Daily News

As the house lights dim and the pit orchestra hums alive, a hush falls over audience members as they prepare for the show to begin.

The crowd waits with anticipation while the backstage is consumed with joyful energy as cast and crew members of “Big Fish” at Squalicum High School take their positions.

Opening night is here.

Stage manager Ellie Smith, left, and hair and makeup designer August Montiel gleefully watch the opening night performance from the wings of the stage. Smith, a sophomore, said his production has been full of successes and challenges. From props breaking unexpectedly to scene changes that happen in the blink of an eye, Smith spearheads each with determination. “Basically, I’m keeping everyone sane,” Smith said. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

From left, sound technicians Kamden Cykler and Matthew Nixon Ⅲ and lighting lead Hannah Milnes wait to changes lights and music on the soundboard. — From left, sound technicians Kamden Cykler and Matthew Nixon Ⅲ and lighting lead Hannah Milnes wait to changes lights and play sounds with each cue. Over 75 contributors including students, teachers and community members have poured countless hours into this passion project. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

During the opening song “Be the Hero,” orchestra pit members threw stuffed fish on stage while the performers do the “Alabama Stomp.” — During the opening song “Be the Hero,” orchestra pit members threw stuffed fish on stage while the performers do the “Alabama Stomp,” a dance designed to coax fish onto land. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

Stage Manager Ellie Smith dutifully scans over the set list. — Stage Manager Ellie Smith dutifully scans over the set list, careful not to miss any details. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

Forest Alson stands in a set piece, ready to move as performers act on stage. — Forest Alson stands in a set piece, ready to move one of four tall wooden boxes on wheels to its next mark in the show. Rather than have a tech hand enter the stage each time a tower moves, the crew members have been assigned to sit inside them to move them during the show. Stage manager Ellie Smith said the trickiest is the quick scene changes. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

The cast and crew have made the green room their refuge with notes, snacks and personal belongings. — The cast and crew have made the green room their refuge with notes, snacks and personal belongings strewn about. The green room doubles as a costume and makeup space. Hundreds of costumes span the walls from glittery dresses to military suits. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

Between scenes, cast members waiting in the wings dance and sing along with the on-stage action as they hold up one finger. — Between scenes, cast members waiting in the wings dance and sing along with the on-stage action. When cast members aren’t on-stage they will congregate in the green room, tucked away in the hall on the side of the auditorium. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

Bryn Bergman hand stitches skirts on a witch’s dress. Two nights before opening night, Bergman and the crew discovered the dresses they ordered online had been lost in the mail. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

With the power of stilts, Søren Kenne-Wilson, left, stands over seven feet tall for his role Karl the Giant. Costume designer Kiara Paglia checks on his costume mid-show. Paglia delegates the collection and design process of each unique outfit. (Victoria Corkum/Cascadia Daily News)

A show as full of love, passion and inspiration as “Big Fish” is best performed by a team that thrives together in the same way. The harmony between cast, crew and pit orchestra radiates throughout this show.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” stage manager Ellie Smith said.

“Big Fish” plays at 7 p.m. March 10–12, and 2 p.m. March 13 at the Squalicum High School Auditorium, 3773 E. McLeod Rd. Tickets are $8-$10. Info: squalicumdrama.com

The ‘Big Fish’ in a small pond

The faces behind the production 'Big Fish' at Squalicum High School

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