Big

BIG The Musical

Presented by

Five Towns Theatre

Based one of my all-time favourite films, written by Gary Ross and Annie Spielberg. Book John Weidman, Music David Shire and Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.

A beautiful coming of age story, which transfers well from the cinema to the musical stage, whilst keeping the essence of the film intact. Chairman Keith Ragdale says in his programme message as he invites you to, sit back, engage your inner child, and enjoy the performance.

Josh Baskin, played by Jasper Eglin/Albert Whittaker-Vyse, a typical likeable 80’s boy, almost a teenager, he longs to be Big. Being big seems like the best thing in the world, Big is cool.

On a night out at the carnival with his family and best friend Billy, Ryan Moors. Josh discovers the girl who likes him has an older boyfriend, this together with the humiliation of being refused entry to a ride for being too short, makes him run blindly until he finds a Zoltar machine.

Kira Matthews as Mrs Baskin, Josh’s mum conveyed the angst of losing her son really well, lovely voice to, showcased particularly well in “Stop Time” in the old neighbourhood scene.

He drops a quarter into the slot wishing he was bigger. Josh, waking up to find he’s in an adult’s body; scaring his mum half to death as he rushes out of the house in a state of confusion. Seeking out Billy he manages to convince him he’s really changed, they set off to try and reverse the wish.

Paul Moore as big Josh had wonderment, a believable naivety in his performance, absolutely crucial to making this concept of the story work, excellent performance. He meets Toy store Chairman MacMillan, Jordan Harrison, notably growing in presence and stage craft with every role.

Discussing toy design at a giant keyboard, they duet together dancing on the keys, impressed, Mac offers him a job in Toy development. Josh playing the role absolutely straight when confronted with his very suspicious co-workers, the interplay with the “adults” was spot on.

Co-worker Susan Lawrence, beautifully sung and played by Danielle Drakeley, takes a shine to the thoughtful, maturity Josh emanates with his focused passion for toys and play. Seeing him as an adult she tries to start a relationship, Josh challenged by the emotions and feelings he is going through, throws himself into his work, as they develop a new toy together.

Meanwhile, Billy has tracked down the Zoltar machine Josh needs to wish himself back to being his old self. Josh embroiled in the new adult world he finds himself in brushes Billy aside wanting to stay as he is and enjoy being big forever. Some wonderful pathos in these scenes. A great mask scene. The Josh’s duetting was very poignant. Josh learning to be careful what you wish for.

The retro 80’s feel, the costumes, the crimped hair, power dressing etc, brought all the memories of the decade flooding back. A slight age-related technical error, with the mass mobile phone scene, at this time, mobile phones resembled bricks, and were only used by businessmen, that minor infringement aside, the production team created a wonderfully nostalgic vision.

The band sounded fabulous under the fine Musical Directorship of Keith Ragdale, as did the voices throughout the show.

Choreography from Ed Costello was exciting, evocative, with great fluid movement. A big, big cast to work with, which could have been disastrous, but, as per usual the production team made it look easy. It’s definitely not. Well done.

 

 

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