Stirring Performances Keep This Big River Flowing Smoothly

Big River:  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not a great musical, but the Garland Civic Theatre treats it as if it were.  Some outstanding vocalizing coupled with deft comic performances generate a fine evening of entertainment.  It truly was a case of an excellent cast championing over substandard material.

Big River, a musical version of the classic novel by renewed author Mark Twain, opened in Broadway in 1985 and ran for over two years.  The Music and Lyrics are by Roger Miller; the Book is by William Hauptman.  The musical presents several episodes from the novel, with the focus on the relationship between Huck and runaway slave Jim as they travel on the mighty Mississippi River.

Jim is portrayed in this production by D. Dean.  Mr. Dean possess a truly powerful singing voice.  He excelled in all of his numbers.  His rendition of "Muddy Water," "River in the Rain" and "Leavin's Not The Only Way To Go" were all a commanding achievement.  His acting—both comic and dramatic—was of the highest quality as well.  In addition, he exhibited a commanding stage presence and we were delighted with his portrayal.

Kudos are also deserving of Jonathan Meeting as Huck.  Mr. Meeting had the high energy to play the rascal and was accomplished in both the role's comic and darker moments.  He also displayed a fine singing voice in the humorous "I, Huckleberry, Me" and the dramatic "Waitin' For The Light To Shine."

Supporting comedy was adroitly handled by Burl Proctor as The King and S. Russell Vaden as The Duke, two con men who escape from the Law by joining Huck and Jim.  They gave expansive performances in roles that were broadly sketched and delivered antics which enabled some true powerhouse laughter.

Clayton Younkin had a merry twinkle in his eye as he essayed the part of Tom Sawyer, Huck's best friend and Jack Perl did a nimble job of putting over the song "Arkansas."  Splendid choral singing was heard from the ensemble.

Charles Ballinger directed Big River with a knowing eye for the work's finely tuned characterizations.  He evoked the sensibilities of the antebellum Deep South beautifully.  Mr. Ballinger kept a firm hand on the staging of the musical.  Huck's revealing narration (spoken directly to the audience) was integrated nicely into the plot.

As stated earlier, Big River is problematic.  The Book is quite episodic.  In the first twenty minutes, it tends to meander.  The score is lackluster‑‑except for the songs already mentioned, the music suffers from a certain sameness.  The lyrics are on the contrived side, and the farcical song "Guv'ment" isn't really all that funny.

However, these faults are minimized by the excellent performers and direction.  Mr. Ballinger's firm hand and Mr. Dean and the other performers will make you forget this.  Perhaps some of the water in BigRiver is muddy, but there are some definite spots of cobalt blue that will cause you to enjoy the ride.

Big River will be presented by the Garland Civic Theatre through October 28.  For more information, please visit its website. 

Photo 1:  Jonathan Meeting, D. Dean

Photo 2:  Burl Proctor, Jonathan Meeting

Photo Credit:  Celeste Rogers  

 

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