Big River
Performances
May 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 2007
Venue
Community Players Theatre
Synopsis
Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful, and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel-the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck’s partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck’s drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; and the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana.
Music and Lyrics by Roger Miller, Book by William Hauptman, Adapted from the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Historian’s Corner
Big River Preview (Curtain Calls 3.1, May 2007)
The musical “Big River” successfully closed out the 84th Season. This show was praised for the singing and acting of several of the leads and chorus, but especially praised were the magnificent voices of the black ensemble.
In keeping with the non-profit status, Community Players continued its outreach program by hosting the 21st Annual Pantagraph Grand Final Spelling Bell, sponsored by Busey Bank. The Pantagraph praised our sound system and seating opportunities for parents of spellers. Players also sponsored the April “Business After Hours” program for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. Singers from “Big River,” and songs from the next season shows: “Crazy For You” and “Fiddler on the Roof” were performed. Tickets to “Big River” and season tickets for the next season were also handed out by board members.