"Big: The Musical," is the story of a pre-teen boy catapulted overnight into adulthood and is a great family-friendly event this spring!
Charles Osborne & Kalel Carrera are local actors who star in "BIG, The Musical" playing at Bristol Riverside Theatre from now until April 14. (Photo credit: Mark Garvin)
Yardley, PA—Nearby Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) located at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA offers BIG fun with the musical stage adaptation of the hit 1988 movie Big. The five-time Tony Award-nominated musical hits the stage with a book by John Weidman, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Big: The Musical is the story of a pre-teen boy catapulted overnight into adulthood. BRT’s Ken Kaissar directs the production in BRT’s intimate 300-seat theatre. Audiences of all ages are invited to reminisce and sing along during this fun-filled journey taking place now until April 14!
The musical edition of the cinematic smash, made famous by Tom Hanks, debuted on Broadway in April 1996. BRT’s production stars Charles Osborne as precocious 12-year-old Josh Baskin, trapped inside an adult body after his carnival arcade wish to be “big” comes true. When Young Josh (Remi Tuckman) heads out to the amusement park for an evening of family fun, he gets separated from his mom (Mrs. Baskin/Jackie Washam) and dad (Mr. Baskin/Scott Langdon), and after being mortified in front of his middle school crush, feeds a single coin into a machine that promises to grant wishes. Kalel Carrera plays Billy, Josh’s loyal companion.
“The Tom Hanks film was such a huge part of my childhood in the ‘80s,” said BRT Producing Director Ken Kaissar. “I’m excited for new audiences to discover the heart at the center of this beautiful story. And we’re delighted to have Charles Osborne back after his brilliant performance in Irma Vep earlier this season. Charles brings an unfettered comedic brilliance to the table and is sure to lead an energy-packed production.”
An award-winning actor, comedian, and writer, Osborne is known for his work on the Food Network’s hit show, The Worst Cooks in America, and off-Broadway productions, including Spamilton (King George) and Midsummer: A Banquet (Bottom). This spring, he returns to the stage following his fall performance in BRT’s production of Charles Ludlam’s The Mystery of Irma Vep.
Director, choreographer, and theatre professor at City College Of New York in Harlem, Keith Lee Grant, plays Josh’s intrigued employer, MacMillan. Grant holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and has been featured in a myriad of on and off-Broadway productions, including the United States premiere of Ragtime. Osborne and Grant are joined by an ensemble cast featuring Erika Strasburg (Sussan Lawrence),Noah Lee Hayes (Paul), Amanda Hunter-Finch (Mrs. Watson/Kopecki), Dominick Sannelli (Mr. Kopecki), Peter Kirby (Derek), and Chloe Major/Shannon Sharpe (Cynthia Benson).
The production is supported by a multitalented team, including Douglass Lutz (Musical Director), Justin and Christopher Swader (Scenic Design), Matthew Weisgable and Sasha Finley (Lighting Design), Linda Bee Stockton (Costume Design), Stephen Casey (Choreography), and Ryk Lewis (Sound Design). Stockton and Lewis also worked on the fall presentation of Irma Vep.
BRT’s productions offer special pre- and post-show engagements, included with the ticket price, for guests to create a special night out. The March 21 opening night performance is followed by a reception where patrons can revel over the night’s show. BRT’s March 22 ‘Friday Festival’ features drinks courtesy of Pat Deon Beverages and Dad’s Hat, pasta provided by Cesare’s Ristorante, and desserts. ‘Wine Down’ midweek on March 27 with complimentary wine from Chaddsford Winery Lahaska and desserts by Donna’s Delicious Delights, and enjoy ‘Thirsty Thursday’ on April 4 with beer and snacks courtesy of Broad Street Brewing, Dog & Bull Brew & Music House, Naked Brewing Company and Philly Style Soft Pretzel.
Tickets for Big: The Musical are available online and by phone at 215-785-0100. Find more information, including a season production schedule, at brtstage.org.
About Bristol Riverside Theatre: Since 1986, Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) has continued to bring acclaimed theatre to Bucks County. The theatre is the recipient of over 71 Barrymore Award nominations. Now under the direction of Producing Directors Amy and Ken Kaissar and General Manager Megan Jones, the theatre serves as a cultural hub for the community. In addition to its mainstage productions, BRT offers the William Penn Bank Summer Music Fest, the new play development series America Rising, the summer theatre arts camp ArtRageous, and a range of education programs for local youth. For information, visit www.brtstage.org.