Big River 1985 - Articles Page 9

Opened: April 25, 1985
Closing: September 20, 1987

Big River - 1985 - Broadway History , Info & More

Eugene O'Neill Theatre (Broadway)
230 West 49th St. New York, NY

Based on the novel Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The production is based on the 2003 Broadway staging by the Roundabout Theatre Company and the American Deaf West Theatre. Huckleberry Finn narrates the story of Huck, a young man who takes a long journey to accompany an escaped slave named Jim on his quest for freedom. In the process, Huck learns a great deal about himself and about the developing country around him.



The show blends American Sign Language (ASL) with traditional choreography and staging, affording a unique opportunity for deaf and hearing actors to work collaboratively and provide accessibility to a wider audience. In this adaptation, every line and lyric is simultaneously performed in spoken (or sung) English and ASL, and interwoven with music, dance, and storytelling techniques from both hearing and deaf cultures.

Big River - 1985 - Broadway Cast

Get Big River Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Big River - 1985 - Broadway Articles Page 9

Alice Ripley, Will Swenson, NEWSIES Reunion & More Set for 54 Below in August & September
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 30, 2015


This August and September, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visitwww.54Below.com. 

Full Cast Set for LAUGH IT UP, STARE IT DOWN at Cherry Lane Theater
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 27, 2015


Fullcasting has been announced for Laugh It Up, Stare It Down, a new play written by Alan Hruska (The Man on Her Mind, New House under Construction, Reunion) and directed by Chris Eigeman (known as a filmmaker for Turn The River and as an actor for roles in television's Gilmore Girls and the films Metropolitan, Barcelona, and The Last Days of Disco). Laugh It Up, Stare It Down will premiere at The Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) beginning a limited engagement on August 26th with opening night set for September 9th.

Jeffrey Bean Stars in Alley Theatre's THE FOREIGNER, Opening Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 8, 2015


THE FOREIGNER is the last play in the 'Alley Theatre @ UH' season. Alley Resident Company member Jeffrey Bean returns to one of his signature roles as Charlie Baker. The show opens tonight, July 8, 2015.

Jeffrey Bean Stars in THE FOREIGNER, Beginning Tonight at the Alley Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Jul 3, 2015


The Foreigner is the last play in the 'Alley Theatre @ UH' season, starring Alley Resident Company member Jeffrey Bean in one of his signature roles as Charlie Baker.

Jeffrey Bean to Star in Alley Theatre's THE FOREIGNER; Cast & Creatives Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Jun 18, 2015


Alley Theatre Artistic Director Gregory Boyd announced the cast and creative team for The Foreigner, the last play in the "Alley Theatre @ UH" season. Alley Resident Company member Jeffrey Bean returns to one of his signature roles as Charlie Baker.

David Mamet's 'GHOST STORIES' Double Bill Opens Tonight at Atlantic Theater
by BWW News Desk - Jun 16, 2015


Atlantic Theater Company presents revivals of Ghost Stories: The Shawl and Prairie du Chien, two haunting short plays by Atlantic co-founder and Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet. Ghost Stories: The Shawl and Prairie du Chien began previews on May 27 and officially open tonight, June 16, for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 28 Off Broadway at Atlantic Stage 2 (330 West 16th Street).

Shakespeare Orange County Star-Studded 'Fun-Raiser' Kicks Off SUMMERFEST 2015 Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 13, 2015


Setting the tone for another season of great entertainment under the stars, Shakespeare Orange County (SOC) launches Summerfest 2015 at the Garden Grove Amphitheatre tonight, June 13 with its 2nd Annual 'Fun-raising' event.

Upcoming Auditions in Nashville 6/11/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Jun 11, 2015


Directors and producers in the Nashville region are seeking actors for upcoming productions of August: Osage County, Nunsense, The Last Five Years, Heathers the Musical, Smoke/Spirit and The Music Man. We've gathered the details together here to make your planning easier. So now you have no excuse!

Shakespeare Orange County Star-Studded 'Fun-Raiser' Kicks Off SUMMERFEST 2015
by BWW News Desk - Jun 4, 2015


Setting the tone for another season of great entertainment under the stars, Shakespeare Orange County (SOC) launches Summerfest 2015 at the Garden Grove Amphitheatre on June 13 with its 2nd Annual 'Fun-raising' event.

Who Will Win the 2015 Tony Awards? We Compare Year By Year!
by BWW Special Coverage - Jun 6, 2015


The 69th Annual Tony Awards are this Sunday June 7th at 8/9c hosted by Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming. It's the biggest award show of the Broadway season and it closes out a long award season for Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays. We can't help but wonder what chances this year's Best Musical and Best Play nominees have of taking home the ultimate prize. 

Atlantic Theater Completes Cast for David Mamet's 'GHOST STORIES'
by BWW News Desk - Apr 30, 2015


Atlantic Theater Company is proud to announce complete casting for the revival of Ghost Stories: The Shawl and Prairie du Chien, two haunting short plays by Atlantic co-founder and Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet.

Flat Rock Playhouse Adds to Board of Trustees
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 20, 2015


Flat Rock Playhouse announced today the induction of five new members to its Board of Trustees: Clyde Allen, Brian Boughner, Henderson County Commissioner J. Michael Edney, Sue Fair and Paige Posey.

BWW Feature: April Showers Show Tunes Bring Young Love
by Matt Tamanini - Apr 19, 2015


"April showers may come your way, they bring flowers that bloom in May!" So go the words of the old Tin Pan Alley song. When the days begin to get longer, and the daffodils work to pop up through the dirt, we know that spring is just around the corner. April is that gateway to birds singing, grass growing, and romance blooming. This month we look at spring and the season's sweet rains that give life to young love.

Patti LuPone, Marilyn Maye, Nellie McKay, Goodspeed Writers Colony and More Set for 54 Below This Spring
by BWW News Desk - Apr 2, 2015


This April and May, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street.

Patti LuPone, Marilyn Maye, Nellie McKay, Goodspeed Writers Colony and More Set for 54 Below This Spring
by BWW News Desk - Mar 31, 2015


This April and May, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street.

BWW Review: MUSICAL MONDAY AND TUESDAY Opens to the Delight of Kansas City Audiences
by Steve Wilson - Feb 17, 2015


The first offering for 2015 of Musical Monday and Tuesday opened Monday night February 16 at the Musical Theater Heritage in Crown Center. Musical Monday has always been an audience favorite and for 2015, Musical Theater Heritage added Tuesdays to the performance schedule. Hosted by Tim Scott the production featured songs from the Broadway musical Big River, bluegrass, and country. The production was like a big river out of its banks flooding the theater with fantastic vocals by some of the best vocalist in Kansas City.

Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell - Remembering The Stars We Lost in 2014
by Walter McBride - Jan 1, 2015


Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent. Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.

CHEF, MEAN GIRLS & More Heading to Netflix This January
by Caryn Robbins - Dec 15, 2014


Netflix has shared the slate of movies and TV shows which will be available for streaming beginning January 2015. Check out the list below!

TV Legends James Burrows & Robert Butler to Receive DGA Lifetime Achievement Award
by Caryn Robbins - Dec 4, 2014


Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay today announced that legendary directors James Burrows and Robert Butler will be the first recipients of a new DGA Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award

BWW Reviews: Young Singers Peddie, Dirksen, Block and Lowe Are No Longer Waiting to Join the Shining New Lights of Cabaret
by Billie Roe - Nov 22, 2014


Every year, despite a litany of warnings they come to the Big Apple with big dreams. Warnings like: “You have to pay your dues.” “It's a tough business, kid.” “How are you going to survive?” There's no such thing as an overnight success, yet still they come to be at “the top of the heap,” as Kander and Ebb so eloquently put it. The four young performers featured here haven't yet vaulted to the top of the cabaret heap, but they've certainly made their marks with excellent shows during 2014, while exhibiting the potential to get there. The spotlight is already shining on Chrysten Peddie, Angela Dirksen, Rembert Block, and Kristoffer Lowe.

Deaf West Hosts Memorial for Phyllis Frelich at the Mark Taper Forum Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Oct 20, 2014


Deaf West Theatre hosts a memorial to celebrate the life and career of Tony Award-winning actress and deaf activist Phyllis Frelich tonight, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Mark Taper Forum. Ms. Frelich, who was deaf, passed away from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in April. She was 70.

Deaf West to Host Memorial for Phyllis Frelich at the Mark Taper Forum, 10/20
by BWW News Desk - Oct 13, 2014


Deaf West Theatre will host a memorial to celebrate the life and career of Tony Award-winning actress and deaf activist Phyllis Frelich on Monday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Mark Taper Forum. Ms. Frelich, who was deaf, passed away from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in April. She was 70.

Broadway Veteran Michael McCarty Dies at 68
by Sally Henry Fuller - Sep 28, 2014


Stage and screen actor Michael McCarty, 68, died on Friday of heart failure after collapsing and becoming unconscious a few days earlier. The original Broadway cast member of AMADEUS was set to appear in a Santa Barbara production of the show in October.

BWW Interview: Tony Nominee Daniel Jenkins Discusses Return as Huck Finn in 54 SINGS BIG RIVER
by Louisa Brady - Sep 12, 2014


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!

Marin Mazzie Joins Cast of 54 SINGS BIG RIVER
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 9, 2014


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.

Other Productions of Big River

1985   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1986   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1987   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1997   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2003   Broadway Roundabout Revival
Broadway
2004   US Tour National Tour
US Tour

Big River - 1985 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Ron Richardson
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Daniel H. Jenkins
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Patricia McGourty
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Rene Auberjonois
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical John Short
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Bob Gunton
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical John Goodman
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Patti Cohenour
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Richard Riddell
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lyrics Roger Miller
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Roger Miller
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Danny Troob
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Steven Margoshes
1985 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Set Design Heidi Landesman
1985 The Hewes Awards Costume Design Patricia McGourty
1985 The Hewes Awards Lighting Design Richard Riddell
1985 The Hewes Awards Scenic Design Heidi Landesman-Ettinger
1985 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Big River
1985 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Patricia McGourty
1985 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Des McAnuff
1985 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Richard Riddell
1985 Tony Awards Best Musical Dodger Theatricals
1985 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Roger Miller
1985 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Ron Richardson
1985 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Daniel H. Jenkins
1985 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Rene Auberjonois

Videos