Through Sun 8/28
Many people remember the movie BIG, starring Tom Hanks. This endearing film was transformed into a 1996 Broadway musical. The story is a bit flawed, probably as a result of not clearly establishing a conflict to be resolved. But the story is entertaining, as it blends great adult character roles and meaty roles for kids.
The story tells of the journey of Josh Baskin, who is sick of being an awkward kid. At a carnival, he makes a wish to the Zoltar machine to become “big.” To his shock, his wish is granted. After an understandably awkward beginning, Josh is forced to do “adult” things, like getting a job and a girlfriend. In the end, he discovers that there’s much more to being an adult than he bargained for, and learns that we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time.
The show includes some wonderful performances, and features many of the young theater folks in Cassidy Theatre classes. I think it is terrific when theaters channel their young actor programs, and let them hit the main stage in an adult show.
Major shout out to Robert Kowalewski (grown-up Josh Baskin). Kowalewski has a Danny Kaye-esque quality about him that carries the show well. He has a great voice, can dance up a storm, act his face off, and has a gigawatt smile. He is a blast to watch. The only thing to get used to is that he reads young, so when he meets the 33-year-old Susan Lawrence, for a moment it seems off.
Young Josh Baskin is played by Alex Hofferth, who does a great job. Charming as heck, he holds the audience in the palm of his hand with his rendition of “I Want To Know,” a truly beautiful and honest moment of theatre. Charlie Ligus as Billy Kopecki is another knock-out. He seems to have stepped off the set of Stranger Things on Netflix because his character is perfect as the tough sidekick. His rap number is hilarious. There’s terrific chemistry with Younger and Older Josh, especially with Older Josh, and he holds his own.
As Susan Lawrence, Sheila O’Connor provides a gentle demeanor and velvet voice. I wish she had more of a belt, so that the songs had more power. But her performance was playful and consistent.
Melanie Hauer adds her own set of magical pipes to Mrs. Baskin, providing the yearning of motherly love and angst. In an out-of-the-box casting choice, Mr. MacMillan is Mrs MacMillan (Rachel Pavloski), head of the toy company. She cuts a fine figure and has a Maria Callas presence with her operatic chops. The choice does take away from the dynamic between MacMillan and Older Josh, but Pavloski is fearless and can shake the rafters when her engines are firing.
Unfortunately, the production values of this show hinder its the overall energy, which at times can be anemic. However, Melanie Leibold provides choreography fitted perfectly to the dancers and those of us, including me, that “move well.” The orchestra is muddled behind the bunting, so the energy that should ignite the stage is nonexistent. I don’t know why the music isn’t brought into the house, because that would help.
The scene changes are difficult to sit through, especially when quiet music is played, instead of peppy music that would help make the time pass more quickly. The set design doesn’t have any exciting color to it, and some of the facing looks like it is not finished. The light-up piano is a great build, so kudos for that tricky piece of work. The lighting design is weak, but that might be from not having enough instruments.
There are odd staging choices as well, such as having the kids playing up front while scenes are going on in the back of them and having them do the same games every time they appear. The sound design is confusing; some people have mics and a lot don’t, so if anyone without one speaks upstage, which occurs often, you can’t hear them.
Overall, the show has some fun moments, but the production values and staging need more focus. But this is a great integration of new and veteran performers coming together to create, literally, a big show. So for a community theater effort, this is great for the future actors as they hone their experience.
Overall, 2.5 of of 5 Mufasas
Showtimes:
Fridays & Saturdays @ 8pm
Sundays @ 3pm
Tickets: $15-$20 reserved seating
(440) 842 – 4600
Parma Heights, OH 44130