Interview: Tony Nominee Daniel Jenkins Discusses Return as Huck Finn in 54 SINGS BIG RIVER

Tony nominee Daniel Jenkins originated the role of Huck in the original Broadway production of BIG RIVER and earned both a Tony and Drama Desk nomination for his portrayal. He also starred as Mark Twain/Voice of Huck in the critically acclaimed 2003 Deaf West Production of the musical, which is quickly becoming a classic.

Now, he's ready to revisit the material that changed his life in the upcoming 54 SINGS BIG RIVER at Broadway's Supper Club, 54 Below. Joined by fellow original cast members Marin Mazzie and Jennifer Leigh Warren, as well as the 2003 revival's Michael McElroy. Jenkins took the time to chat with BroadwayWorld about the upcoming performance and what it's like to be involved in such an incredible reunion. Read the full interview below!

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You have quite a history with this show...are you getting antsy to revisit it all again?

I really am tickled to get another shot at sharing this music. When I think how young I was when I got to do it, it still makes me giggle and shake my head - imagine my luck!! The wash of memories may very well overwhelm me on Sunday !

You get to reunite with quite a few Big River alums! What does that mean to you?

I am especially looking forward to visiting with the people connected with the show. It changed my life (twice - once in '85 and then again in 2003!), so it is responsible for some rich community building for me. Sometimes you kind of fall in love with the people you are working with, and that happened for me in this piece - both times!

What can audiences expect from this show?

I imagine a lot of laughter. There is a sweet goofiness about this score, as well as an important and enormous heart in the still very relevant story. We will share these tunes and thoughts together in a smaller space - and that should make it very special indeed.

Why do you think Big River made such a big impact on people who saw it?

These days, for whatever reason, people are talking to me about his show a lot. Sometimes it's from people who did it in school, or in another part of the country, but often it is simply the fact that people listen to the album and Roger Miller's music. I am always delighted and surprised when I hear about the impact of the show, and am so pleased to get the chance to visit with the material in such an intimate setting.

What specifically are you most looking forward to for Sunday night?

Seeing the faces of all those people I am still in love with...!

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54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, has announced Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie (Bullets Over Broadway, Next To Normal, Kiss Me Kate), as the latest addition to the starry cast of "54 Sings Big River." The one-night-only event takes place this Sunday, September 14 at 7PM and 9:30PM.

Mazzie joins previously announced Daniel Jenkins, who earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Huck in the original 1985 production and then went on to star as Mark Twain/Voice of Huck in the acclaimed 2003 Deaf West Production, as well as Michael McElroy, who earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Jim in the 2003 production. The evening will also feature Jennifer Leigh Warren who will recreate her performance of "How Blest We Are," the song Miller wrote specifically for her to perform in the original Broadway production. Additional cast includes: Jelani Alladin, Scott Coulter, Daryl Glenn, Tara Halpern, Karen Mack, Rob Maitner, Nicole Prothro, Lille Ricciardi, Michael Ruocco, Christina Sajous, Melanie Vaughan, Lennie Watts, Garrett Zuercher, Music Direction by Mark Hartman & The Muddy Water Quartet andDirected by Phil Geoffrey Bond.

To make reservations for "54 Sings Big River" and other coming "54 Sings" events, visit www.54below.com. Cover starts at $40 with a $25 food & beverage minimum or three show subscriptions at $135 or $210 for premium seating, food & beverage minimum of $25 per show.