Pagans celebrate a variety of holidays throughout the year, many of which are linked to the cycles of nature. One of the most well-known pagan holidays is the Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. This holiday celebrates the return of light and the rebirth of the sun, and is often associated with the traditional Christmas celebrations. Another important pagan holiday is Ostara, which occurs during the spring equinox. This holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life in nature. It is often associated with the Christian holiday of Easter.
Watch a trailer for the original Broadway production of BIG FISH, featuring two-time Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz
In parallel scenes at doctors offices, Will and Josephine learn they re going to have a son, while Edward and Sandra learn that Edward s cancer has progressed. In parallel scenes at doctors offices, Will and Josephine learn they re going to have a son, while Edward and Sandra learn that Edward s cancer has progressed.
It is often associated with the Christian holiday of Easter. Beltane is another significant pagan holiday, celebrated on May 1st. This holiday marks the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility and abundance.
Big Fish – Small Cast Edition
Big Fish – Small Cast Edition is the new, small-cast version (for 12-actors) of the Broadway musical.
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, Big Fish is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.
For BIG FISH, Click HERE.
For BIG FISH School Edition, Click HERE.
Watch a trailer for the original Broadway production of BIG FISH, featuring two-time Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz
Watch Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin perform the beautiful duet “Times Stops” in BIG FISH
Act 1 The curtain rises on present-day EDWARD BLOOM (50s) at the banks of a river, skipping rocks. His son WILL (20s) is getting married the next day. Will asks Edward not to tell any of his crazy stories at the wedding. Edward reluctantly agrees. As Will thinks back, he trades places with YOUNG WILL (8). Edward doesn’t want to read his son a bedtime story from a book, but rather tell a story about life (“Be the Hero”), which introduces many characters from Edward’s impossible stories. Edward’s wife SANDRA reminds them that it’s time for bed, but Young Will wants to know more about THE WITCH who showed Edward how he would die (“The Witch”). The story returns to present day. Preparing for the wedding, Edward reveals his suspicion that Will’s fiancée, JOSEPHINE, is pregnant. Will confirms the hunch and swears Edward to secrecy. But Edward can’t help himself, revealing the news in a toast to the crowd. In parallel scenes at doctors’ offices, Will and Josephine learn they’re going to have a son, while Edward and Sandra learn that Edward’s cancer has progressed. In New York’s Central Park, Will sings of the wonder and mystery of his future child (“Stranger”), but his joy is interrupted by a phone call from his mother, telling him about Edward’s condition. Will says he’s coming home. In the backyard, Sandra tells Will that although he and Edward can be a handful, she loves them both (“Magic in the Man”). Josephine is eager to hear more of Edward’s stories, so he launches into a tale of his high school days (“Ashton’s Favorite Son”), including his small-town girlfriend (JENNY HILL) and his arch-rival (DON PRICE). Edward journeys to a cave to confront a giant that is frightening the town. But rather than fight KARL THE GIANT, he befriends him and convinces him to join him on an adventure to see the world. (“Out There on the Road”). Back in the present, Josephine gets Will to tell her the story of how his parents met, which brings them to the Calloway Circus. Sandra and two friends audition for ringmaster AMOS CALLOWAY (“Little Lamb from Alabama”), during which Edward falls in love with her at first sight (“Time Stops”). Amos hires Karl The Giant, while Edward agrees to work for the circus for free in exchange for one monthly clue about Sandra (“Closer to Her”). After three years of toil, Amos (secretly a werewolf) finally reveals that her name is Sandra, she goes to Auburn University, and she loves daffodils. In the present, Josephine discovers a mortgage signed by Edward and Jenny Hill. Will wonders why his father would buy a house with a woman other than his mother. Edward travels to Auburn, only to discover that Sandra is engaged to be married to Don Price from Ashton. Don beats up Edward, but that convinces Sandra to break up with Don. Edward promises to love Sandra forever (“Daffodils”). They kiss. Act 2 Reeling from the discovery of the mortgage, Will wonders if his dad had a second life. A second family. Later, Edward tells Sandra and Young Will he’ll be traveling more for work. Edward tells Young Will he’ll be the man of the house. He needs to be brave and “Fight the Dragons.” In the present, Will attempts to ask his father about the mortgage, but Edward keeps derailing the conversation with jokes and talk of wooly mammoths. When Will brings up Ashton, Edward grows angry and they confront each other (“The River Between Us”). Calmed down by Sandra, Edward falls into an uneasy sleep and wakes up yelling and confused in the middle of a thunderstorm. Sandra comforts him, telling him “I Don’t Need a Roof” to feel at home. She only needs Edward. Will travels to Ashton, where he meets Jenny Hill. She tells him the story of what happened when Edward returned to Ashton. The valley is about to be flooded by a new reservoir, yet the townsfolk refuse to leave, chaining themselves to a statue in protest. Edward convinces them to build a new Ashton (“Start Over”). He gets land from Amos and money from Karl, both of whom have become successful because of Edward. Only Jenny Hill refuses to leave. She’d been waiting in Ashton all these years for Edward to return. To save her life, Edward reconnects with her, and co-signs the mortgage on a new house. They kiss — but Edward breaks it off. From the moment he saw her until the moment he dies, Sandra is the only woman he’ll love. As Jenny Hill finishes the story, Will gets a phone call. Edward’s condition has worsened. Alone in the hospital with the unconscious Edward, Will tells him that he went to Ashton, and that he now understands the reason for his stories. Edward stirs, in pain, and asks Will to tell him how he dies. Will has to make up the story on the spot (“What’s Next”) of how Edward escapes the hospital and travels to the river, where everyone from his stories is waiting for him. At the river, Edward sings about his life and what it meant (“How it Ends”). Back in reality, Edward dies in the hospital bed. The funeral takes place at the river’s edge. As the guests shake Will’s hand, he sees that each is the real-world equivalent of the characters from Edward’s stories. A few years later, Will teaches his own son to fish, and the secret his father taught him (“Be the Hero” reprise).
BIG FISH Small Cast Edition
Book by JOHN AUGUST
Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA
Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace
and the Columbia Motion Picture
written by John August
For BIG FISH School Edition, Click HERE.
Litha, or the Summer Solstice, celebrates the longest day of the year and is a time of joy and celebration. Lughnasadh, or Lammas, occurs on August 1st and celebrates the first harvest of the year. It is a time of gratitude and thanksgiving for the abundance of the land. Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox, is another important pagan holiday that falls in September. This holiday celebrates the second harvest and the balance between light and dark. Lastly, Samhain, also known as Halloween, is one of the most widely recognized pagan holidays. Celebrated on October 31st, it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Pagans celebrate these holidays as meaningful and sacred times to connect with nature, honor their spiritual beliefs, and celebrate the cycles of life..
Reviews for "Celebrating the Wheel of the Year: A Year-Round Pagan Journey"
1. John - 1 star: I was highly disappointed with "What holidays do pagans celebrate". As someone who is interested in learning about different cultures and religious practices, I found this book to be lacking in depth and substance. The author merely lists a few pagan holidays without providing any meaningful context or explanations. Moreover, the book seemed to oversimplify the practices and beliefs of pagans, which left me feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough understanding of pagan celebrations.
2. Sarah - 2 stars: I had high hopes for "What holidays do pagans celebrate" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the book briefly mentions various pagan holidays, it fails to explore the rich history and significance behind them. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of pagan rituals, traditions, and beliefs, but instead, I was left with a superficial overview. It felt more like a simple list than a comprehensive guide. I would recommend looking for a different resource if you truly want to delve into the world of pagan holidays.
3. David - 2 stars: This book lacks the necessary depth to provide a comprehensive understanding of pagan holidays. The information provided is quite basic and doesn't go beyond a surface-level description of each holiday. I was hoping for more insights into the symbolism and rituals associated with these pagan celebrations, but unfortunately, the book failed to deliver. It barely scratches the surface of what could have been an interesting exploration of pagan traditions. I would suggest seeking out more detailed and well-researched sources if you want to truly learn about the holidays celebrated by pagans.