‘Big River’ at Theater Wit and Theatre On The Lake
“Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” with music and lyrics by Roger Miller and the book by William Hauptman, was directed by Peter Marston Sullivan. The show ran at Theater Wit from September 10 to October 10, 2010, and was later remounted at Theatre On The Lake from July 27 to 31, 2011. Audiences were treated to the classic journey of Huck and Jim as they navigated the depths of the Mississippi.
Synopsis
Mark Twain’s immortal narrative “Big River” takes us on a journey with Huck Finn, a daring youth who aids his companion Jim, a runaway slave, in seeking liberty at the Ohio River. Their encounters are filled with humor, suspense, and warmth, vividly resurrecting beloved characters and the thrilling exploits from the classic novel.
Musical Highlights
Celebrated with Roger Miller’s award-winning composition, “Big River” embarks on a spirited excursion that celebrates the heart of American culture. The music, an amalgam of Cajun, gospel, blues, and country genres, is masterfully distilled by director Peter Marston Sullivan and musical director Nicholas Davio into a raw string orchestra format. This adaptation exposes the genuine essence of Miller’s melodies while emphasizing the poignant relationships Huck forms throughout his voyage.
The Cast and Crew
- Huck Finn: Andrew Mueller;
- Jim: Brian-Alwyn Newland;
- Tom Sawyer: Courtney Crouse;
- Ensemble;
- Bear Bellinger;
- Christa Buck;
- Nicholas Davio;
- Jim DeSelm;
- Rashada Dawan;
- Anna Hammonds;
- Benjamin Kirkberger;
- Hilary Holbrook;
- John Leen;
- Cam McIntyre;
- Krystal Metcalfe;
- Mike Tepeli;
- Sean Thomas;
- James Williams.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Music Direction | Nicholas Davio |
| Choreography | Ericka Mac |
| Scenic Design | Judy Radovsky & Anders Jacobson |
| Lighting Design | Samantha Treible |
| Costume Design | Sarah Putnam |
| Prop Design | Steve Genovese |
| Stage Manager | David Solotke |
| Producer (Theater Wit) | Peter Blair |
| Producer (Theater on the Lake) | David Solotke & Tom Samorian |
Accolades and Recognitions
The production received multitudes of acclaims, including five nominations for the prestigious Jeff Awards. The accolades spanned from Outstanding Production, Direction (Sullivan), and Musical Direction (Davio), to Principle and Supporting Actor (Mueller and Crouse respectively, both winners).
Conclusion
The production of “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards. Its celebration of friendship and freedom through a blend of music and storytelling left a lasting impression on theatergoers and critics alike.