Theater & Dance
'Big River' floats into The Barnstormers July 10-14
Published Date
TAMWORTH — The Barnstormers Theatre's 82nd season opens July 10-14 with the Tony Award-winning musical "Big River." Based on Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," book by William Hauptman, music and lyrics by Roger Miller, "Big River" captures the charm and nuances of one of the great American coming-of-age stories.
Join Jim, on the run to escape slavery, and Huck, on the run to escape from becoming civilized, as they float down the Mississippi encountering Twain's incredible characters and fantastic escapades. "Big River" combines toe-tapping bluegrass, gospel and country music, many comical moments, and an enormous cast and orchestra.
"Big River" is a big production," said artistic director Bob Shea. "We have a wonderful cast of first-time Barnstormers working alongside long-time company members. 'Big River' is what our theater is about — bringing newcomers and experienced actors together to present the best of American theatre."
Lead actors Jordan Ahnquist (Huck) and De'Lon Grant (Jim) performed these roles together to great acclaim at Boston's Lyric Stage Company in 2011. "Throughout the production De'lon Grant as Jim is brilliant," reported Blast Magazine.
"Jordan's and DeLon's talent and synergy is amazing," said Shea. "That they have performed these roles together raises the bar, and I think our audience is in for a truly memorable time."
The large cast is joined by Barnstormers favorites: Elaine Anderson, Bob Bates, Jean Brown, Cope Murray, Dale Place, Penny Purcell and Doug Shapiro. "Big River" is generously sponsored by the Yeoman's Fund for the Arts.
Located in the historic village of Tamworth, The Barnstormers Theatre has been a New Hampshire tradition since 1931. As one of New Hampshire's three Equity theaters, it offers professional summer theater with a new show each week during July and August. The theatre is air-conditioned with tiered, comfortable seating, handicap accessible and a new hearing assistance system.
Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are $27 to $32 for evening shows and $16 to $21 for matinees. Friday night is family night, with family group tickets at $10 to $15, group must include at least one person age 18 or under, first-come first-served on the day of the show. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 323-8500 or visit www.barnstormerstheatre.org.
