BoHo takes a heartwarming trip down the Mississippi
Bohemian Theatre Ensemble presents |
Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn |
Music/Lyrics: Roger Miller, Book: William Hauptman Adapted from the novel by Mark Twain Directed by P. Marston Sullivan Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago (map) Through Oct. 10 | Tickets: $25 | more info |
Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes
Widely considered the greatest American novel ever written, Mark Twain’s 1884 coming-of-age tale, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, received a lively musical treatment 100 years after its publication in Big River. The Tony Award-winning musical, which ran 1,000 performances on Broadway, captures the charm and poignancy of the original, as we follow Huck and the escaped slave Jim down the "Muddy Water" of the Mississippi River, "Waitin’ for the Light to Shine" — as the songs put it. Although no stage production could possibly encompass all the nuances of Twain’s masterpiece, this well-cut adaptation by William Hauptman delivers the essence, paired with a fitting, catchy score by country-music star Roger Miller that blends foot-stompin’ bluegrass, powerful spirituals, vaudevillian comedy numbers and such memorable ballads as "River in the Rain."
Bohemian Theatre Ensemble mounts a warm, intimate and beautifully sung revival in their handsome new home at Lakeview’s Theater Wit, full of bouyant humor and touching moments.
Andrew Mueller gives us a gamin-faced, thoughtful Huck with a fine tenor. As Jim, the richly voiced Brian-Alwyn Newland provides the backbone of the music, smooth and soulful, combined with a dignified stage presence that reveals the mature and feeling man behind the tattered clothes and uneducated language of the slave.
Sean Thomas makes a wicked Pap Finn, hilarious in his drunken denouncement of "Guv’ment," and a diabolical king and "Royal Nonesuch," aided by the elegant John B. Leen as the sly and histrionic duke. Courtney Crouse is boyishly mischievous as Tom Sawyer, always ready for adventure and adorable as he calls for a "Hand for the Hog."
Rashada Dawan brings a soaring voice to gospel numbers such as "How Blest We Are," and Mike Tepeli adds a comic turn as the young fool, with a zany, washboard-accompanied rendition of "Arkansas."
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Much of the cast supplements the orchestra at different points, picking up guitars,box, or a tambourine to effectively back Musical Director Nicholas Davio playing a variety of instruments, Hilary Holbrook on fiddle and Cam McIntyre on bass. Davio and Holbrook also act small parts. Christa Buck, Anna Hammonds and James Williams fill out the ensemble.
Director P. Marston Sullivan’s deceptively simple staging and Anders Jacobson and Judy Radovsky’s stylized set put the talented cast and Twain’s potent story foremost. You don’t need to have read "Huckleberry Finn" to enjoy this musical, although everybody ought to read it … again and again.
Rating: ★★★½ |
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Bohemian Theatre, Leah A. Zeldes, Theater Wit | Tagged: Anders Jacobson, Andrew Mueller, Anna Hammonds, Big River, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Brian-Alwyn Newland, Cam McIntyre, Christa Buck, Courtney Crouse, David Solotke, Dr Abdul Sinno, Ericka Mac, Hilary Holbrook, James Williams, Jay Koepke, John Leen, Judy Radovsky, Leah A. Zeldes, Mark Twain, Mike Tepeli, Nicholas Davio, Omar Sinno, P. Marston Sullivan, Peter Blair, Rafic Sinno, Rashada Dawan, Roger Miller, Samantha Treible, Sarah Putnam, Sean Thomas, Steve Genovese, Theater Wit, William Hauptman | Leave a comment »