Gorham High School’s (GHS) production of “Big Fish,” opened this past weekend, ending January with a wholesome tale about life and death.

The story centers on Edward Bloom, played by senior Westley Brinegar, and his son William, played by senior Connor Donnelly, and William’s quest to decipher what was real and what was not about his father’s life.

Edward has lived his whole life telling outlandish stories of giants, mermaids and canons, and it is now up to William to find the truth when his father falls ill.

The show also features junior Emily Paruk as Sandra Bloom, who said she could not choose just one favorite aspect of the production.

“I really like the diversity of the show. We have tap dancing and a western showdown, giants and mermaids, and then a whole underlying family relationship story between a father and a son,” said Paruk. “It’s the retelling of a beautiful life and the connecting of family members. It is a really powerful story.”

The show also includes junior Sierra Cummings as William’s wife Josephine; senior Kendall Smith as the Witch; senior AJ Booth as Karl the Giant; and junior Mason Hawkes as Amos Calloway.

Senior Abby Miller said, “It’s a really good show to end senior year with. This is really a wholesome production and everyone in it has been really nice. I always looked back on “Once on this Island” and wished we had another show like that, and this one really brings it home.”

The GHS theater department will be saying goodbye to many seniors at the end of this year, which certainly helped bring out the emotions in this production. Donnelly, when asked about it, replied, “Don’t talk to me about it.”

If there is anything to say about this musical, it is that it ends with love. It is one for the seniors, one to make you laugh, one to make you cry, and one to make you want to join in on the dancing.

“I hope people enjoy themselves, and they can take a step back and appreciate the little parts of life,” said Brinegar.

Josh Hurd directs “Big Fish,” Mathew Murray directs music, and Mariel Roy designed the choreography.

The production continues for one more weekend with shows this Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. and a final show on Feb. 9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors 65 and over. Tickets will be available at the door but may also be reserved by calling 839-5754.