BIG RIVER- Page 2

[robbiej]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 2:56pm

I'm with Cookie.

NOT a great show. Actually, a little tedious and a bit of a letdown. HOWEVER, the Deaf West production was glorious. Shows what cracks can be spackled over with imagination, heart and talent.

And as for its Tony wins in '85, the competition wasn't what I'd call fierce. Best musical nominees were:

Big River
Grind
Harrigan & Hart
Quilters

[leomaxfrank]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 3:04pm

i echo robbie's sentiments. the show as is, is nothing spectacular. sure the music is great, but its less than brilliant on its own. the deaf west production is one of the most heartfelt and gorgeous productions of a show i have ever seen. jeff calhoun's staging was marvelous.

[Baine]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 7:55pm

Hey there! I'm a lurker on the board, but I've noticed that Big River is coming to Tampa next year and I'm considering whether or not to buy tickets for it. Honestly, I don't know too much about the show. I know that it's about Huck Finn, but I'm not sure about much else. I haven't heard the music or a real plot review or anything. Can anybody point me in the direction of where to look, or tell me what they thought about the production and why? (good, bad, etc.) It would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 8:01pm

Baine,

Here's a link to my BWW.com review of the touring production's Boston performance. Hope it's helpful.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=1633

jmn

[lite2shine]

Posted: 11/24/04 at 12:10am

Baine, obviously, I'm too biased to say much about the show, and I acknowledge that there is a limitation in the plot and score, still, current Deaf West production shouldn't be missed (especially Broadway cast Tyrone Giordano and Michael McElroy are going to your town). I honestly can say it was one of the most wonderful theatrical experiences in my entire life.

It's a shameless plug but my fan site has loads of information about Deaf West production, along with cast interview, gallery, and links to Theatre Wing panel discussion video clip which you get great insights about the production, so please check it out. Feel free to send me an e-mail too, I'll answer any questions as much as possible.
Light To Shine unofficial fan site for Big River

[Kris2]

Posted: 11/25/04 at 12:53am

I'm really not gonna be much help Baine, but I just wanted to say I saw this production on Broadway and it was beautiful. It is completely worth going to see. The Deaf West production is simple and enthralling. The show manages to be good fun, heartfelt, and soulful. All the leads I saw were completely engaging as performers. I'm sure any of the touring replacements are just as good. Definitely check this out. Aw, I miss this show now.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 11/25/04 at 2:59am

I saw the Deaf West Theatre production of "Big River" a few days ago on its last day in Boston. It was definitely one of the most beautiful pieces of theatre I have ever seen. The incorporation of ASL was pure visual poetry, a ballet of the hands and soul. I was moved to tears, especially during the reprise of "Waitin' for the Light to Shine." All the performers were truly inspirational to watch. Tyrone Giordano was especially passionate, and Michael McElroy has one of the most beautiful voices I've heard. The entire production was so well done, I honestly cannot imagine the show without the bilingual aspect. I'm glad I got to see the show on tour, I had missed it earlier on Broadway. And I'm glad the cast was awarded with a special Tony Honor, but I wish the production had won something at the Tonys. I totally would have voted for this for Best Revival of a Musical over "Assassins," which, although brilliant, doesn't match up in terms of heart.

~Steven

[lite2shine]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 5:15pm

Melissa van der Schyff who plays Mary Jane in Big River national tour company has participated the Q&A session on my site. Find out:

• How she keeps her performance new/fresh each time past four years;
• What kind of gadget she found the most useful in Japan;
• How kissing Ty (Huck) and Garrett (Huck understudy) is different;
• Why she uses two different last names; etc.

Enjoy!

Light To Shine: Big River Fan Site

[Baine]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 5:30pm

Okay, thanks everyone! ^_^ I think I'll probably see it. I am going to be so musicaled-out that week--if that's possible! LOL! I'll be home in Philly that weekend and catching the tour of Peter Pan, then going into the City to catch Dirty Rotten Scoundrels only to come back to school for Big River. I must be crazy. *laughs*

It sounds really interesting, though, and I've always liked Huck Finn despite all the hoopla around it.

Thanks all!

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 9:37pm

I just covered Big River in Philly ( BW review pending). There's not much I can add to what's already been said. It's very creative and clever. The score is well executed, though not especially glorious on its own. Huck and Jim are well played, but the character that played Mark Twain (Daniel Jenkis) is outstanding!

The sets are clever as each scene revolves around and through them. The direction is very top notch. It's a bit tedious in spots, but it's creativity and delivery gets you through the night.

I'll be there for Peter Pan on Opening Night, too. Have fun.

Updated On: 11/30/04 at 09:37 PM

[Razz77]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 1:19am

Really want to see the revival version of Big River. It is coming to Wilmington, Deleware in early 2005, which is about 4 hours away from me. I'd be willing to make the drive if I thought it was going to be worth it -- what do you guys think?

[lite2shine]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 2:12am

>the character that played Mark Twain (Daniel Jenkis) is outstanding!

Couldn't agree with you more. Dan is so talented I'm surprised that he's not in Broadway shows more often (well a part of the reasons is that he likes to be in a non-mainstream show, what can I do). And his voice sounds the exactly the same as him in Huck in 1985 (what a cutie he was!). He is an incredible genuine and humble person too. Catch him if you can in Cleveland before he leaves the company.



Light To Shine!

[lite2shine]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 12:15am

Hi I returned from my quick trip to Cleveland. I had a blast.
I saw both Ty and Garrett's Huck (Ty has a sprained ankle, poor thing) and met the cast and crew and it was a great trip.

I was too busy chatting with the cast, I didn't take many photo but I uploaded what I took on the web page. Enjoy!

Lite2Shine
Light To Shine unofficial fan site for Big River

[Kris2]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 12:53am

I love your site. Keep up the good work!

Glad to know people appreciate this production =D

[lite2shine]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 1:07am

How nice of you! Thanks :)

Yes, I've talked to a couple of the cast members to do the Q&A sessions, so more new interviews will be coming. And when the tour comes to my town next year, I might bring a personal photographer with me so that I will have loads of photos (lol)

lite2shine

Light To Shine unofficial fan site for Big River

[demoiselle]

Posted: 12/8/04 at 12:14pm

Deaf West's Big River is one of my favorite productions ever. I'm not sure that it is the material itself -- it is more the presentation of it. I saw it three or four times in NYC and attended several understudy rehearsals, and then saw the tour twice in Boston. The beauty of the show just baffles me. I wish that I had gotten to work on the show. It was my dream "way back when" it was going into rehearsals in NYC. Sigh. Perhaps someday in the future.

I'm trying to find someone here to teach me ASL but with my theatre student schedule it is difficult to find a course.

I think BR should go to the Golden Mask festival at the end of its tour . . .

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 12/8/04 at 12:43pm

Demoiselle~ if you are who I remember... I sent you a private message.

[demoiselle]

Posted: 12/8/04 at 1:13pm

Yes, its me! I replied too.

[zeenith]

Posted: 12/8/04 at 1:38pm

For those who were wondering about Adam Monley, I saw him go on in Boston and he was absolutely incredible. A nearly flawless performance, which was even more impressive considering it was his first time on in the role. I honestly think the people at Deaf West are crazy if they don't offer him the role. His voice was clear and beautiful, there were distinct differences between his Twain and his Huck, and he complimented Tyrone Giordano's gorgeous facial expressions perfectly. I hope that many others get to experience his performance too. As for the production itself, it was one of the most moving theatrical experiences I've ever had. Highly, HIGHLY recommended.

[demoiselle]

Posted: 12/8/04 at 1:44pm

Yes, he did a lovely job. The only big thing I missed from Daniel Jenkins' performance was his more "mature" voice, which really made Huck/Ty stand out from the other boys. I was impressed by Mr. M!

[lite2shine]

Posted: 12/8/04 at 4:00pm

I haven't had a chance to see Adam as MT yet but I'm sure I'll have plenty of chances when/if they offer him the replacement of Dan in the tour. (disclaimer: I know nothing about the replacements or D.C. cast info... yet

Still I love Dan's performance so much it's hard to be impartial :)

Light To Shine: Big River Fan Site Updated On: 1/6/05 at 04:00 PM

[Addicted2Seaweed]

Posted: 12/8/04 at 4:59pm

Me and my papa always sing we are the boys in the car...which my dad's girlfriend thinks is crazy since I'm a girl...but I like it too much not to sing.

[demoiselle]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:18pm

I hope the cast and crew of Big River have a happy holiday break!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:43pm

I absoultely LOVE LOVE LOVE Big River. I think the score is quite strong and instantly memorable. I did the show a few years ago and had a wonderful time. I only wish the tour would come to Chicago. I can't figure out why it isn't. I think it would do well here.

Amneris - Try We Make a Beautiful Pair from Shenandoah.

[demosupremo]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 4:05pm

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT