‘Big Fish’ On PCS Mainstage

PCS Theater proudly presents Big Fish, the beloved Broadway musical based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton. Performances run May 29 through June 13, 2026, on the main stage at Players Club of Swarthmore.

Gavin Wycuff and John B Hedges in “Big Fish” at PCS Theater.

Directed by Kayla Bowe, choreographed by Emily Engle, and featuring music direction and conducting by Jeff Smith, Big Fish brings Andrew Lippa and John August’s magical musical to life with unforgettable songs, heartfelt storytelling, and dazzling theatricality.

With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August, Big Fish follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose extraordinary tales and larger-than-life adventures captivate everyone around him—especially his loving wife, Sandra. But as Edward’s son Will prepares to become a father himself, he sets out to uncover the truth behind the stories that have defined his father’s life.

Overflowing with humor, imagination, and emotional depth, Big Fish is a celebration of family, legacy, and the power of storytelling. The production reminds audiences why live theatre continues to inspire us with experiences that are richer, funnier, and bigger than life itself.

Director Kayla Bowe describes the production as deeply personal and timely:

 Big Fish has been a dream project of mine for a long time. There is something so special about a musical that invites us to laugh, to imagine, and to feel deeply, all at once. I have always believed that musicals have that unique power: they can be joyful and entertaining while still carrying messages that stay with us. This show is a perfect example of that balance.

At its heart, Big Fish reminds us that life is messy, complicated, and full of unknowns. The truth is, this is all our first time on Earth. No one has it all figured out, not even the people we look to for answers. We are all bound to make mistakes, even when we are the ones who feel like we are supposed to ‘know better.’ And yet, there is beauty in that. There is growth, forgiveness, and love in the stories we tell and the lives we live. – Director Kayla Bowe

Bringing Edward Bloom’s larger-than-life world to the stage is a dynamic cast led by John B. Hedges as Edward Bloom and Gavin Wycuff as Young Edward Bloom, alongside Lauren Champlin-Moadeli as Sandra Bloom and Lexi Livanos as Young Sandra Templeton. Richie Izzo and Daniel Gorman share the role of Will Bloom, with Quintin Leaf and Harrison Simon alternating as Young Will Bloom, and Madison Claus as Josephine Bloom. Featured performances include Jeffrey Barg as Karl, Casey Lynch as Amos, Kristin Hegel as the Witch, Jenny Ammon as Jenny Hill, and Josie Gold as Young Jenny Hill. John Millison takes on the roles of Don Price and Red Fang, while Jacob Fizzano appears as Zacky Price and the Fisherman. John Casertano portrays Doctor Bennett, the Judge, the Ashton Mayor, and General Patterson. The production’s ensemble also features Katie Young and Tess Coary as Alabama Lambs, Alyssa Nichter as the Mermaid, and ensemble members Gillian Booth, Violet Cheng, Keith Hall, Savannah Mitchell, Hunter Pugh, Bailey Rifkin, Kevin Shaffer, and Amanda Strydio, whose performances help bring the magical world of “Big Fish” vividly to life.

If You Go:

The production runs approximately 2.5 hours.

Content advisory: Contains themes of illness and death, parental estrangement, fantasy versus reality, and emotional moments of loss, though the production is ultimately uplifting and family-friendly.

A limited number of $10 Pay-What-You-Can tickets will be available for each performance. These tickets are cash only and offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office beginning one hour before curtain. PCS is a proud partner with ArtsReach ACCESS program.

For tickets and additional information, visit the Players Club of Swarthmore box office or PCSTheater.org. Advanced purchase encouraged!

Post expires at 11:53am on Monday June 15th, 2026

Pig Iron Theatre Company presents ‘Franklin’s Key’

Pig Iron Theatre Company remounts its Barrymore Award–winning sci-fi adventure Franklin’s Key, written by Dan Rothenberg and Robert Quillen Camp. This thrilling, magical, sci-fi theatrical adventure explores Benjamin Franklin’s hidden discoveries in a parallel universe.

Jameka Monet Wilson (Temple) and Alton Alburo (Arturo) in “Franklin’s Key”. Photo by Johanna Austin

Running from June 11 to 28 at Plays  & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia), this electrifying production transforms some of the city’s most iconic landmarks into portals to adventure as two high school prodigies find themselves caught in a struggle between secret societies dedicated to safeguarding Franklin’s discoveries. Fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, Harry Potter, The Da Vinci Code, and National Treasure will enjoy the artistry in this electrifying live stage production. 

During the War of Independence, the British feared Benjamin Franklin could control the weather.  Franklin’s Key asks: what if that were true? A mystery unfolds for audiences in an alternate reality where Franklin’s undiscovered technology has been hidden underneath some of Philadelphia’s most treasured landmarks for centuries. Set in present-day Philadelphia, Franklin’s Key follows two teenage prodigies: Temple, a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo, a gifted musician. The two uncover an ancient mystery, setting off a chain reaction that draws them into a secret battle between rival factions seeking to harness the incredible but volatile powers of Franklin’s long-lost technology. Temple and Arturo, aided by a cast of quirky friends, traverse hidden tunnels under the city, leading them from abandoned subway platforms to the iconic statue of William Penn atop City Hall and the building-sized organ inside the old Wanamaker Department Store. With time running out, the team must navigate the labyrinth of Philadelphia’s forgotten tunnels, evade powerful enemies, and unlock the secrets Franklin left behind before his discoveries fall into the wrong hands. 

“This love letter to Philadelphia brings together sci-fi fans, history nerds, and science enthusiasts. We were so delighted to hear audiences say it was the one show that they could bring grandparents and kids to, and nobody felt left out. While the show offers adventure and humor that keeps younger audiences engaged, the intrigue of secret societies and a story rooted deeply in Philadelphia’s culture is sure to fascinate audiences of all ages. Our goal is to offer everyone a wild ride that makes history and science surprising and arresting and twisty.” – Pig Iron’s  Co-Artistic Director Dan Rothenberg

 

Co-writer Robert Quillen Camp wrote the text for Pig Iron’s Pay Up and Chekhov Lizardbrain and is a regular collaborator with downtown New York provocateurs Hoi Polloi. Co-writer and Director Dan  Rothenberg is one of the founders of Pig Iron Theatre Company, where he has been instrumental in  creating over 30 original works that have toured to 15 countries. 

If You Go

  • “Franklin’s Key” runs approximately two hours with a short intermission and is recommended for children ages eight and up.
  • Previews run from June 11 to 14, with an opening, invite-only performance set for Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.
  • Ticket prices start at $45, with 20% discounts for patrons 18 and under or 65+, and group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.
  • Tickets may be purchased  AudienceView Professional

Pig Iron Theatre Company, founded in 1995 in Philadelphia, has long been recognized for its daring and highly physical approach to theater-making. Its genre-defying works have earned critical acclaim.  

Post expires at 10:01pm on Monday June 29th, 2026

‘Urinetown the Musical’ comes to the Barn Playhouse

The Dramateurs, Inc. at the Barn Playhouse’s 2026 SEASON continues with the bold and bizarre musical ‘Urinetown the musical’ opening on May 29th.  ​
From the sewers of despair to the rooftops of rebellion, comes a tale of love, laughter, and… limited bathroom access. In a city not so far from here, a severe water shortage creates a need to control access to toilet facilities. A greedy CEO provides the wrong answer to the right question: how do we ensure every citizen has the right to pee?
‘Urinetown’ is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself.

If you go:

The Barn Playhouse is at 1700 Christopher Lane, Jeffersonville

May 29, 30 and June 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 pm
May 31 and May 7 at 2:00 pm

Tickets: $24, with a $2 discount for seniors/students

The theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned.
Visit: www.barnplayhouse.org or call 610-539-2276 for tickets.