Harbaugh takes on new role in Big Fish musical
University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh took on a new role this weekend — actor.
During the musical Big Fish, put on by MUSKET!, the University’s student-run musical theatre organization, Harbaugh sat in the audience for most of the show, but then took to the stage when the cast needed a little extra help.
Harbaugh didn’t have any lines, but his role included handing a football helmet to the main character, Edward Bloom. Though his time on the stage was only about 5 minutes, when he took and left the stage, the audience gave a vocal and loud applause.
Big Fish is a musical adapted from a book and movie, following the journey of a father and son as they grapple with the father’s ailing health and the son’s search for the truth about his father’s life as he sifts through stories his father has told.
Harbaugh took to Twitter prior to the show to express his excitement about it, noting that his son, LSA freshman James, was in the show and his family would be attending all three showings of the musical.
The family & I have tickets to all 3 shows for @UMMusket Big Fish w/@JamesHarbaughJr & looking forward to my theatrical debut on Saturday.
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) March 14, 2016
MUSKET! also tweeted their excitement for his involvement in the musical.
@CoachJim4UM can't wait to see you there, Coach! Tickets on sale at https://t.co/G4GNHojtje and the Michigan League Ticket Office!
— MUSKET (@UMMusket) March 14, 2016
After the show, students were enthusiastic online as well, thanking Harbaugh for his participation.
@lippaofficial @CoachJim4UM @UMMusket So incredible that this was all able to happen. Thank you both so much! — David Newman (@dnewmanity) March 20, 2016
The show took place over a span of three days, with Harbaugh featured in every performance.