Big River
The Center for the Arts
production archive
BIG RIVER
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
August 7th-23rd, 2009
Big RIver; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
directed by Cyndie Verbeten
Book by: William Hauptman
Music & L:yrics by: Roger Miller
adapted from the novel by Mark Twain
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MURFREESBORO, TN–The Center for the Arts will present “Big River” directed by Cyndie Verbeten with assistance from John Blankenship, beginning August 7th.
William Hauptman’s adaptation of Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel-the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck’s partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck’s drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana.Performed by a large cast of community actors, “Big River” promises to be one of this season highlights! The role of Huck will be played by JP Clardy, who is new to the Center for the Arts stage, along with veteran actor and the Center for the Arts Theater Education Coordinator, Michael McGee reviving his role as Jim. Anderson Dodd plays Huck’s side-kick Tom Sawyer. Chris Gerbman will once again appear in his memorable role as Huck’s ne’er-do-well father, “”Pap” and also shines as Sheriff Bell. Musically directed by Dennis Pessar, and choreographed by Julie Wilcox. Making a special appearance are several of the members of the Higher Ground Worship Center Choir.
“Big River” runs August 7-23 at the Center for the Arts. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm.and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be reserved by calling 615-904-2787 or on line at www.boroarts.org.
The Center for the Arts is located at 110 W. College St., one block off the historic Murfreesboro Square. For more information, visit our website at www.BoroArts.org or call us at 615-904-2787.
Show Sponsors
Big River; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is sponsored in part by: MidSouth Bank, National Endowment for the Arts, and Tennessee Arts Commission
Production Crew
- Director: Cyndie Verbeten
- Co-Director: John Blankenship
- Assistant Director: Jared Scott
- Assistant to the Co-Director: Molly Blankenship
- Musical Director: Denis Pessar
- Choreographer: Julie Wilcox
- Tech Director: Bill Stewart
- Stage Manager: Justin Mangrum
- Set Design: Cyndie Verbeten
- Lighting Design: Matt Carr
- Lightboard Operator: Donavan Brackett
- Costumes: Julie Orantes, Maria Cimino
- Prop Mistress:Jodie VanCronkhite
- Set Decoration: Debbie Winton, Christopher Gerbman, Bill Stewart & Tony Cimino
- Cast Photographer: AngelaFordPhotography.com (Angela Ford)
- Assistant Photographer: Karen Burton
- Videographer:
Musicians
- Piano: Denis Pessar
- Guitar: John Blankenship
- Harmonica: Ken Frizzell
- Drums: Eric Conley
- Violin/Fiddle: Mary Rodgers
Lead Construction
- Bill Stewart
- Tony Cimino
- Chris Gerbman
- Dan Garner
- PC Neilson
Stage Crew
- Bill Stewart
- Molly Blankenship
- Justin Mangrum
- PC Neilson
- Josh Wilson
- The Cast
Cast (as listed in the productions program)
- Mark Twain: Bill Stewart
- Huck Finn: JP Clardy
- Jim: Michael McGee
- Widow Douglas: Angela Ford
- Miss Watson: Rae Ellyn Kelley
- Judge Thatcher: Jim Frazier
- Tom Sawyer: Anderson Dodd
- Ben Rogers: Justin Mangrum
- Jo Harper: Drake Wallace
- Simon: Phillip Boston
- Dick: Kyle Boston
- Pap: Chris Gerbman
- Stange Woman: Rae Ellyn Kelley
- First Man PC Neilson
- Second Man: Ted Verbeten
- King: Dan Garner
- Duke: Scott Adcock
- Lafe: Phillip Boston
- Young Fool Justin Mangrum
- Alice: Eleadrea Hayes
- Alice’s Daughter: Stephanie Jones
- Mary Jane Wilkes: Kaylie Hackett
- Joanna Wilkes: Mandi Davis
- Counselor Robinson: Jared Scott
- Sheriff Bell Chris Gerbman
- Harvey Wilkes: Jim Frazier
- Sally Phelps: Edy Wilson
- Silas Phelps: Jim Frazier
- Doctor:Bill Stewart
Slaves
The Higer Ground Gospel Choir: Loretta Constant, Kyle Freeman, Valerie Sanders, Michael Scott, Lesley Scullark, Brianna Snelling, & Tiffani Thurman
Ensemble
Ansley Adcock, Camrybn Adcock, Sarah Basile, Chris Carlisle, Emily Conley, Ryan Eagle, Tami Garner, Kay Hooper, Elizabeth Jordan, Zach Kelley, Willis Kelley, PC Neilson, Missy Sliger, Ted Verbeten
Production pictures and videos
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