Big River

Several times I have wondered (and so has my wife !) why I agreed to direct Big River, based on Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. There are several reasons. I am a longtime fan of Roger Miller's music. (One of my favorites contains the line: "You can't roller-skate in a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you've a mind to."). And Roger's TONY award-winning music for this show is so varied and delightful. I have told the cast after rehearsing each song: "This is one of my favorite songs in the show!". Then, the story is a classic by Mark Twain (as adapted by William Hauptman) and so relevant for Black History Month.

Finally. it had given me the chance to share the work of bringing this musical to life at The Playhouse with a very delightful mix of people. I have never before had the privilege of directing a show whose cast included a citizen of Japan, a citizen of Germany, people who can speak Portuguese, both Caucasian and African Americans and a bunch of delightful kids (and adults) who really enjoy singing these wonderful Roger Miller songs! The cast has worked very hard to prepare for you an enjoyable production. I hope you enjoy the show as much as we have enjoyed preparing and performing it. If so, please let the members of the cast know that. It's their show. I have just given them suggestions; they are the ones that tell the wonderful story and sing the wonderful songs.

Rolan Decker