I loved the movie “Big” when I saw it back in the 80’s (not to mention the many times I’ve subsequently caught it on cable), so when Adventure Theatre announced they would be bringing the musical version to their stage, I put it on our fall agenda. The story of a 12-year-old boy who wishes he were bigger and actually gets his wish when he wakes up as an adult and lives as one for a few weeks is funny, endearing, and timeless in many respects. I was interested to see it as a musical and geared toward a younger audience, especially at Adventure Theatre, where productions are known for delighting children and adults alike.
Our family caught a performance of “Big, The Musical” last weekend, and we were all quite engaged throughout the hour-long show. For starters, several members of the cast are kids — pretty darn talented kids, at that — which always seems to be a plus for children’s shows, as I think kids in the audience really enjoy watching their peers perform. Together with the adult actors, they brought incredible energy to the stage with spot-on acting and fantastic musical numbers, from jazzy routines to moving ballads to one awesome rap.
The story stays close to the original movie, and apparently even closer to the Broadway version, from which this one was adapted. At a carnival, young Josh comes across an arcade genie and makes a wish to be bigger so he can go on a ride and win the attention of his crush. The next day he gets what he asked for when he wakes as a grown man. With the help of his best friend, Billy, he lives in New York City for a few weeks until they can locate the genie to reverse the wish. During that time he gets a job at a toy company and falls for a woman who works there.
And that’s the one part that I think requires a heads-up: The show does imply an intimate relationship between them. And while I didn’t worry about it much since it was over my kids’ heads, I did see parents in the audience looking around at each other (it was dark, so I couldn’t see expressions).
Beyond that, there’s nothing to warn about, except the possibility of waterworks. There are several emotional parts, my favorite when Josh’s mom, played by Kate Fisher, sings “Stop, Time” as she misses her son and longs for more time to relish his childhood. Easily a Kleenex moment.
There were plenty of humorous moments to match the emotional ones. Greg Maheu, a Jude Law look-alike who plays grown-up Josh, elicits lots of laughs as his character’s goofy adolescent personality emerges from a grown man in adult situations. The kids liked scenes where he zealously plays in the toy store or un-self consciously dances at the office holiday party. We adults were amused by the awkwardness of those situations — when he speaks his 12-year-old mind at office meetings or has a sleepover with his girlfriend on separate bunk beds.
All in all, “Big, The Musical” is a wonderful production. And from all of it, some clear themes come through: Don’t wish childhood away. Never forget what it feels like to be a kid. And don’t be afraid to let your inner child come out to play now and then.
“Big, the Musical” will be at Adventure Theatre through October 28, and tickets are $19. It’s recommended for ages 5 and up, but there were definitely younger children in the audience, including Sasha 3.5). She didn’t quite follow the whole story, but really enjoyed the singing and dancing. And Owen’s assessment: “I liked it sooo much, especially when Billy rapped.”
