By Lori Geisler
Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, known more commonly as simply Big River, is playing in repertoire with three other productions at the Caine Lyric Theatre in Logan until August 5, 2017. Listed on the Utah State Historical Register, the theatre was restored and expanded in 2000. Gorgeous and ornate moldings, chandeliers, and red velvet seats give an elegant feeling to the interior. Even with its bluegrass music and country twang, Big River seems at home amongst the sophisticated surroundings.
Based on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Big River tells the story of Huck (Cameron Blankenship) and his friend, a runaway slave named Jim (Paul-Jordan Jansen), who have “considerable trouble and considerable joy” as they float on a raft down the Mississippi River. They meet a variety of characters, including slave hunters, con men, and three sweet sisters. Along the way they discover a lot about friendship, each other, and themselves.
During a time period when musicals from Great Britain were seeing great success, Big River was one of the few American musicals to receive acclaim. Opening on Broadway on April 25, 1985, the show ran for more than 1,000 performances and closed on September 20, 1987. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won seven, including Best Musical, Best Book by William Hauptman, and Best Original Score by Roger Miller. This is the only Broadway Score that Miller wrote. Known as a country singer with chart-topping country and pop hits in the mid-60s such as “King of the Road” and “Dang Me”, Miller is also remembered as the voice of Alan-a-Dale, the rooster minstrel in Walt Disney’s 1973 animated film, Robin Hood. His memorable toe-tapping and soul-stirring songs compliment Mark Twain’s poignant classic impeccably.
With youthful exuberance and a charming Southern twang, Blankenship is delightful as the rambunctious vagabond, Huck. Narrating his own story, he often speaks directly to the audience, giving each member a sense of being personally invested in the story. With a sly smile and a wink, he also sends the message that he is letting you in on a special secret. Stirring and profound, Jansen’s performance as the runaway slave is inspiring. With such exciting duets as, “Muddy Water,” “River in the Rain,” and “Worlds Apart,” the duo show their growing friendship and bond. Unfortunately, Jansen’s volume seemed muted; perhaps his mic needed to be turned up or was working improperly. His smooth musical skill came through, but the power was missing. Despite this, his performance of “Free At Last” brought tears to my eyes. The Duke (Michael W.D. Francis) and The King (Chris Klinger) are the con men that had me laughing one minute and made me furious the next. Their performance of “When the Sun Goes Down in the South” had me tapping my toe and grinning from ear to ear. Mary Jane Wilkes (Katie Francis) touched my heart with her beautiful voice in “You Oughta Be Here with Me” and “Leavin’s Not the Only Way to Go.” She also shows the broad range of her musical ability, playing fiddle in the live band. Other cast members double as band members as well, including Susan Wilkes (Clarissa Boston), who plays fiddle and Tom Sawyer (Justin Turpin), who plays guitar.
Although I have seen many productions of Big River, I have never seen it completely performed with a live band. Some of the songs in this show have a very quick tempo, and there are many times when the band seems to have a difficult time keeping up. The versatility of the musicians is impressive, however, as many of them play multiple instruments.
Shawn Fisher designed a brilliant open-ended set that changes very little throughout the production, and yet feels different as it adapts to the various scenes and settings. Natural and rustic, the backdrop matches the tone of the show perfectly, inspiring imagination in the minds of the audience. Lighting designed by Bruce Duerden works together with the simple set, creating illusions and transforming the pieces into lush scenery. Acting as Director, Musical Director, and Choreographer, Jim Christian brings all of these elements together to create a cohesive performance with splendid continuity. His creative use of pantomime to suggest props that are non-existent adds to the imaginative feeling this production invokes again and again.
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You MUST see Big River at least once in your lifetime. You will fall in love with the music, and the story will change you. The Lyric Repertory Company will present their production at the Caine Lyric Theatre for a few more weeks, and as the show begins you will receive this warning by Mark Twain (W. Vosco Hall): “Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot. By order of the Author, Mark Twain.”
Lyric Repertory Company presents Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Music and Lyrics by Roger Miller, Book by William Hauptman, adapted from the novel by Mark Twain
The Caine Lyric Theatre, 28 West Center Street, Logan, UT 84321
July 17, 25, August 3, 5, 7:30 PM, July 29, 1:00 PM
Tickets: $20-35
Contact: 435-797-8022
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