BIG RIVER IN LA
BIG RIVER IN LA
immortalbroadwayLA
Understudy Joined: 1/9/05
#0BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 3:58am
Just got back from the DeafWest/Roundabout Theater production of "Big River" at the Ahmanson in LA. I know for some of you this is old news, but I just saw it and wanted to share my thoughts.
I was unfamiliar with the show going in, but was extremely moved and impressed by it's simplicity, depth and heart. It seems rare these days that you actually see a musical where the Book is the main driver of the show.
Also this production uses a combination of speaking and deaf actors and all the actors also use sign language. The deaf, sign only actors have doubles on stage that speak and sing for them. It was a miracle how the signing/speaking/singing all became one language. Watching the sign language was truly like watching choreography and it became integral to the theatrical expression of the show.
Overall the talent was very solid. In particualr, the deaf Tyrone Giordano did a really great job in the role of Huck and Michael McElroy as Jim was particularly moving.
Only problem I thought was that it could have been more powerful in a more intimate space. I think it will be on tour a while longer (many have been with the show since it's beginning at DeafWest in North Hollywood). If you have an opportunity go see it!! It truly is a rare theatrical experience.
Has anybody else seen this production? The Roundabout show (I think it was at American Airlines Theater) ran summer/fall '03. I would love to hear your thoughts...
Updated On: 1/14/05 at 03:58 AM
eatlasagna
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/04
#1re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 12:49pm
The Big River revival started out across from the Ahmanson at the way much smaller Mark Taper Forum... which I unfortunately did not see...
BUT... i have decided to go see this show and am going on Sunday evening!!! can't wait
immortalbroadwayLA
Understudy Joined: 1/9/05
#2re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 1:17pm
It's a rare theatrical experience, I am actually going to try to go again.
Just to be nitpicky..it started out even smaller than the Taper at DeafWest on Lankershim in North Hollywood. 
Have a great time on Sunday!!
Iris Chacon
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/9/04
#3re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 1:26pmActually; the show first started at North Hollywood. Then it moved to the Taper and then to NY. WOnderful peice of theater. And you are right.. the venue is just to big for this show.
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#4re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 1:28pmI saw it at the Taper and loved it. So beautiful and unique...that's what theater should be!
#5re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 4:20pmi saw it there also. Amazing. i wish i saw it a thousand more times.
#6re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 4:20pm
It's been several years since I went to Ahmanson theatre last time, and I had the same perception that the theatre is too huge for this show.
Well, when I went on 11th, although I only saw it from the Orchestra section, actually the theatre size wasn't too bad, certainly, Mark Tape would be great, but compared to other venues it's workable, especially the stage size seems to be just perfect.
Please everybody take advantage of Goldstar event discount and see as many times as you can afford! Especially, this is the last chance for you to see Dan Jenkins in Mark Twain's role! Please tell hi to the cast at the stagedoor 
Light To Shine unofficial fan site for Big River
immortalbroadwayLA
Understudy Joined: 1/9/05
#7re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 5:02pmTickets are sold out on Goldstar, which is how I got my tix for last night, I ended up fifth row center. But as soon as I got home from the show last night I went online to see if I could get tix to see it again. As I said, it's sold out at the discount sites.
#8re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 5:54pmI saw it on Broadway last August (I guess that would be August of 2003.) I had been in a production of this show so I was very familiar with it and had a certain level of expectation going in. It took me a while to get used to the over simplified music and the parts they cut and altered, such as dance breaks, and it took me a while to adjust to the sign language. About half way through act one, it started settling with me and I adored the rest of the show. It was so beautiful and powerful and a very special show. I wish I could have seen it again, I really loved it.
#9re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/14/05 at 5:55pm
Wow, those tix go so fast! Well, keep your eyes on Goldstar though because earlier this week there was $20 discount at Goldstar which went in a New York minute, but then a few days later, $35 tix discount showed up, so you never know.
Regardless of the price, this production is not to be missed!
Light To Shine unofficial fan site for Big River
eatlasagna
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/04
#10re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/17/05 at 3:51amwell I just saw the performance tonight.... 1/16/05... this productions definitely moved me and was truly inspiring to see a blend of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing actors all on the stage... i have never heard of the music or anything of this show and ended up loving it completely and can actually not see this show being done any other way... Tyrone Giordano is simply incredible as Huck... his acting just blew me away... incredible... and Michael McElroy... his voice... his freaking beautiful voice.... if only i could sing like that... there are just feelings that can't be expressed in writing to say how much i truly enjoyed this production... i encourage everyone to see it!
#11re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 12:07am
eatlasagna, I was there too! Yes 16th evening audience was so great, I was basking in the joy. I just love watching Ty's signing. When he signs "River I never seen the sea" at the end of River In the Rain, he makes wave crashing sign, and I can actually hear the wave, if you can believe it. It's amazing. I LOVE this show and the cast. (Of course, the joy of watching Dan Jenkins' MT for the last time magnifies the pleasure for me too)
I have to be a broken record and say "don't miss this show!"
Light To Shine unofficial fan site for Big River
#12re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 12:15am
Holy macaroni! As I predicted, Goldstar event is offering more discount tix including $20 extreme side orchestra for Big River now! But if you can, go for rear Orchestra and avoid extreme side if possible. I cannot believe it. They have the discount on 20th, which is a Gala night. And I know lots of celebrities will attend this night.... I wish I were there!
So people in LA you gotta take advantage of this dicount NOW!
Goldstar event Big River discount!
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#13re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 3:42am
We got to see the production at the Ahmanson this evening. The musical itself always kind of underwhelmed me - it just seemed to have too many of the problems that Twain had with the novel. And the music, while seemingly appropriate for the piece, never really grabbed me - even though I'm a big sucker for a spiritual or an ingratiating melody line.
HOWEVER, what we saw this evening doesn't have anything to do with that. The subtext created by having this theatre company present it in sign language takes this to a completely different level. Not exactly making a silk purse out of a sows ear, but definitely rising FAR above the source material.
A production full of passion, verve and amazing direction.
On a related note, I'm curious how people feel about this production losing the Best Revival Tony award. I'm all for Sondheim being recognized, but this kind of re-conceptualization is far beyond what is normally seen. Just my opinion, but I really can't understand why this wasn't recognized.
#14re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 10:18am
DGrant, I'm so glad you enjoyed and appreciated this production. I agree that the source material has some flaws in it, but DWT production overcomes them and some more. (I tend to agree when LA Times review said "lyrically economic" or something like that, giggle)
As far as Tony show, it's hard to compete with Sondheim, especially Big River only had 2.5 months of limited run (vs. Assassins' longer limited run which was still running during Tony voting time). Heck, Big River was denied to do a live performance on TV! Still they (the Broadway cast) were recognized for Tony Honors of Excellence last year. YAY! And did Assassins go on a year long tour including Japan? NO. Although Big River didn't get Tony Revival Award, it is being recognized and appreciated throughout the country (rather than just by the fortunate people who could go to NYC), which is more important for me.
Light To Shine unofficial fan site for Big River
Updated On: 1/19/05 at 10:18 AM
kissmycookie
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/21/04
#15re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 11:02amI saw it when it was at the Roundabout in NY, I have to agree with DG's assessment... I was underwhelemed by the music. But completely taken by the seamlessness of the signing and singing. choreography solely done solely by hands...
junglered
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#16re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 11:13amI saw this tour last August in Atlanta and was really inspired by the interplay between the hearing and non-hearing actors on the stage. I thought that the leads - Michael McElroy and Tyrone Giordano were terrific!
ElphieZ
Featured Actor Joined: 11/3/04
#17re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 2:13pm
I'm sure there are great orchestra seats. $40 special at the Ahmanson, any seat I believe, for tomorrow and Thursday's performances. Unfortunately I can't go either tonight or tomorrow, but thoguht someone else might enjoy it!
http://www.taperahmanson.com/custom/mNews6.asp
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#18re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 2:20pmUnfortunately, there were many empty seats last night - but that means there's plenty availability for those who can get there.
#19re: BIG RIVER IN LA
Posted: 1/19/05 at 7:15pm
DGrant, I heard that Huck and Jim were understudies. How were they? At least you got to see Dan Jenkins :)
Light To Shine: Big River Fan Site
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