BWW Reviews: BIG RIVER at Musical Theater Heritage

"Big River" gets the Musical Theater Heritage treatment and absolutely soars. An opening night enthusiastic audience received the musical version of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn with a gusto that matches a talented cast and an exceptional orchestra.

With music and lyrics by country artist Roger Miller and a book adaption of the Twain text by William Hauptman, "Big River" starts off with a full head of steam and powers down the big muddy Mississippi River from northern Missouri all the way past Cairo, Illinois and into Tennessee.

"Big River" was the 1985 Tony Award Winner of seven statuettes including the coveted Best Musical. "The (book) Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is the sequel to Twain's earlier "Tom Sawyer." The original Broadway production ran a thousand performances and still enjoys frequent revivals.

MTH Artistic Director Sarah Crawford conjures up pre-Civil War Missouri as backdrop for this favorite story. "Big River" mainly follows Mark Twain's 1884 novel. This show offers the kind of great entertainment that audiences look for in an all-American musical.

The patented MTH treatment sets this production off from usual fare. It happens on a mostly bare stage except for a back wall painting that recalls life on the river. Actors wear the slightest suggestion of costumes. An excellent orchestra (assembled by Conductor Jeremy Watson) is arrayed across the rear of the stage. Downstage is placed a row of microphones such as you might see for a radio play. The cast is blessed with top quality voices throughout. Dialog is played to the audience as if in a radio production, but complicated light cues and clever choreography move the story along at a blazing pace.

Composer and lyricist Roger Miller's score is bright, witty, and the right mix of upbeat country. Many of the songs are showstoppers that generate thunderous applause more than once in the context of the play. "River In The Rain," Muddy Water," and "The Nunsuch" will be remembered for their originality and ability to move the story.

Huck Finn (Devon Norris) is both the leading character and narrator. "Big River" begins as if "Tom Sawyer" has just ended. Much of the dialog comes directly from Twain's text.

Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer have recovered a treasure and received a reward for their efforts. The treasure is invested by the local judge to assure the boys of a long term-income.

Previously homeless Huck has been quasi adopted by two unmarried woman sisters. Resist as he might, Huck is getting used to the idea of a good schooling, a few rules, a roof over his head, and warm meals in his belly.

Pap Finn (Kip Niven) appears. He is a mean drunk. Pap hears about Huck's good fortune and tries to cash in. Broadway veteran Niven brings down the house with a musical drunk act for the ages in "Guv'ment."

Huck fakes his own murder and runs away from his abusive father. He finds himself in the company of a runaway slave, Jim (Justin McCoy) and the two of them set off down the river on a raft. Their plan is to float down river to the free states where Jim can earn enough money to buy the freedom of his family.

Eventually, they come into the company of two hustlers (Bob Wearing and Bob Linebarger). These two are thieves and general ne'er-do-wells. The King and Duke generate the major conflict of the piece. Tom Sawyer (Preston O'ffill) materializes in Act II and he and Huck are able to save the day.

Strong voices and vivid characterizations put MTH's "Big River" at least on par with the best of touring productions that play Kansas City. "Big River" continues at Crown Center through June 26. Buy tickets on the MTH website (www.musicaltheaterheritage.com) or by telephone at (816) 221-6987.

Photo Credit: Tim Scott at Musical Theater Heritage