Big, the Musical
David Shire (music), Richard Maltby, Jr. (lyrics)
and John Weidman (book)
Directed by Jeff Frank
Todd Wehr Theater, Milwaukee (map)
thru Nov 11 | tickets: $14 | more info
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Aspiring to great heights, ‘Big’ hits the mark with stellar cast,
top notch production values
First Stage Children’s Theater presents
Big, the Musical
Review by Harry Cherkinian
In Big, the Musical, it’s easy as a “big kid” watching this delightful show to remember the age old adage: “be careful what your wish for. You just might get it.” No one learns that better during the course of this adventure than 12 year old Josh Baskin.
Big, the Musical is based on the 1988 film starring Tom Hanks. It was adapted into a “big” Broadway musical, running for only 193 performances. Translation: Broadway’s Big was a BIG money loser.
The authors revised the book for productions such as those staged by Milwaukee’s talented children’s theater company, First Stage. And the ensuing result? This production of Big is a ginormous success, fun from start to finish, judging from the rapt attention of the kids in the audience to the genuine guffaws and laughter throughout.
By shortening the length of the original musical to fit the attention span of children (“big” and little), the show’s book moves quickly with an emphasis on song and dance, which keeps the pace moving. Director Jeff Frank, who also serves as First Stage’s Artistic Director, continues to take Milwaukee’s children’s theater company to new levels with a production that entertains, educates and showcases talent in front of—and behind—the spotlights.
Adding to an already impressive show, Assistant Choreographer Chris Feiereisen stepped into the lead role of the adult Josh. If there ever is living proof of the term, “perfect casting, then this talented actor is it. Feiereisen is the complete embodiment of the “boy man” that Josh is–and needs to be. His wiry frame, boyish good looks and very discernible “inner child” firmly places this production among some of First Stage’s best work in recent years (i.e. The Wiz, Seussical the Musical).
Part of the inherent charm of the First Stage production is the use of two alternating children’s casts throughout every run, which gives children of all ages the chance to participate in productions. (First Stage has its own Theater Academy which trains a number of the students that perform in shows).
At this performance, the “Zoltar Cast” performed, and as 12 year old Josh, Nicholas Gray fit perfectly as the awkward, innocent kid trying to find his place in the world of small town New Jersey. Austin Zdziarski is Josh’s sidekick and in many ways, conscience, and again, excelled in the demanding role, be it singing, dancing and even rapping. These “kids” have major talent.
 
 
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So do the other “big kids” in the adult cast: Niffer Clarke has the challenging role of Billy’s mother, and this veteran Skylight Music Theatre performer, evokes just the right amount of concern and anguish when Josh “disappears” into adulthood while Billy searches for another Zoltar machine to reverse Josh’s wish. The rest of the adult cast is just as good including Richard Ganoung as the president of a failing toy company and in a role that requires a great deal of delicate balance, Beth Mulkerron as the “big” Josh’s co-worker and growing love interest, Susan. Mulkerron juggles multiple emotions through and always keeps the balls in the air, be it co-worker, love interest, friend and at times, surrogate “mother.”
Josh and Big are reminiscent of Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz in that both characters long for change outside themselves to find joy and happiness. But once they get there, they want to go back. Sometimes we have to take that difficult, challenging journey to find out who we really are to find out what really truly matters in life.
And with Big, the Musical, growing up one day at a time can reap big rewards. Just ask Josh—and the delighted audiences of this outstanding production.
Rating: ★★★★
Big, the Musical continues through November 11th at Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee (map). Tickets start at $14. More information at FirstStage.org. (Running time: 90 minutes, includes an intermission)
Photos by Mark Frohna
artists
adult performers
Jackson Evans*, Chris Feiereisen (“big” Josh, Parent); Beth Mulkerron* (Susan, Parent, others); Niffer Clarke* (Mrs. Baskin, others); Todd Denning* (Paul, Parent, others); Richard Ganoung* (Zoltar, MacMillan, Parent, others); Jeannette Minson (Miss Watson, Parent, others); Ryan Cappleman, Katie Gonring (artistic interns, understudies)
* member, Actors Equity
young performers
Zoltar Cast: Nick Gray (as Josh) and Mari Duckler (Ensemble) from Mequon; Austin Zdziarski (as Billy) from Oak Creek; Jenn Jarecki (as Cynthia/Ensemble) and Isaiah Reynolds (Ensemble) from Brookfield; Andrew Oppman (as Derek/Ensemble) from Hartland; Casey Kitzman (as Benjamin Rubenstein/Ensemble) from Cudahy; Kaitlyn Serketich (Ensemble) from Franklin; Kamilah Lay (Ensemble), Erin Watton (Ensemble) and Stephanie Guy (Ensemble) from Milwaukee; Emily Riesterer (Ensemble) from Germantown; Taylor Vraney (Ensemble) from Menomonee Falls; Caroline Hanson (Ensemble) from Fox Point; and Ellie Taft (Ensemble) from Whitefish Bay.
Wild Thunder Cast: Liam Hartnett (as Josh) from Whitefish Bay; Thomas Kindler (as Billy), Abbi Minessale (Ensemble) and Sofia Bosio (Ensemble) from Brookfield; Elizabeth Stawski (as Cynthia/Ensemble) from St. Francis; Zach Olsen (as Derek/Ensemble) from New Berlin; William Esty (Ensemble) from Franklin; Conlan Ledwith (as Benjamin Rubenstein/Ensemble) from Franksville; Ashley Patin (Ensemble) from Muskego; Amanda Desimowich (Ensemble) from Fredonia; Clarise White (Ensemble) and Ella Frank (Ensemble) from Milwaukee; Caroline Fossum (Ensemble) from Grafton; and Cami Westlake (Ensemble) and Malia Westlake (Ensemble) from Hartland.
behind the scenes
Jeff Frank (director); Jack Magaw (scenic design); Kim Instenes (costumes); Jeff Shaetzke (music director); Jeff Whiting (choreography); Chris Feiereisen (asst. choreographer); Jason Fassl (lighting); Matt Whitmore (sound design); Melissa L. Wanke (stage manager), Paul Madden (asst. stage manager); Mark Frohna (photos)
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