Local actors rehearse for Warren Players spring show, “Big Fish.”

A story about love, memory, and a father’s tall tales unfolds as Warren Players opens its spring musical, ‘Big Fish,’ on April 30 at the Struthers Library Theater.

Every family has its storyteller – the one who can’t let a memory pass without growing it into something larger. Thanks to Warren Players, that affinity for spinning a grand tale is getting a full staging this month.

Based on the 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton film of the same name, the show is a Broadway musical about the relationship between a son and his larger-than-life father — and what it costs, and what it means, to finally try to know someone.

The production features a large local cast of new and returning performers: Tex Alvarez, Hannah Augenstein, Corbin Bartel, Amanda Beil, Colette Bonavita, Allan Branthoover, Anastasia Cauley, Andrew Cauley, Troy Dinga, Caleb Hellman, Eliza Hellman, Drake Lawson, Adam McChesney, Sarah Parmeter, Christine Porter, Paula Royo, Mary Snyder, Andrew Stalder, Michael Stenberg, Jeff Washburn and Abby Waterman.

When Jen Bailey, the show’s local director, first encountered Big Fish, she knew it was a story that she wanted to bring to the Warren Players stage.

“It stirred something in me that I still struggle to fully explain… a mix of wonder, nostalgia, and a deep emotional pull that lingers long after the final curtain,” Bailey said.

Assistant direction is from Abby Wilson, music direction by Rob Pearce and choreography by Abby Waterman and Abby Wilson. Caitie Webster and Greg Waterman serve as co-technical directors.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August, opened on Broadway in 2013 and has since become a favorite of regional and community theaters for its emotional range and its score, which moves from sweeping romantic ballads to lively ensemble numbers.

Big Fish runs April 30 through May 3 at the Struthers Library Theatre. Showtimes are April 30 through May 2 at 7 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for students, $20 for seniors and $22 for adults and are available by phone at 814-723-7231, at the SLT Box Office or online at strutherslibrarytheatre.org. Online ticket sales close one hour prior to each performance.