BIG: The Musical Plays 5/5-6/28 At El Centro Theater

West Coast Ensemble presents the second show of their 2009 season, BIG, The Musical, with book by John Weidman, music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., based on the motion picture "BIG" written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg. BIG, The Musical will be directed by Richard Israel (Floyd Collins, Assassins). BIG, The Musical will preview on Tuesday, May 5; Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 at 8:00pm and will open on Friday, May 8 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, June 28 at West Coast Ensemble's new home - The El Centro Theatre, 800 N. El Centro Ave. in Hollywood.

"I wanna be Big!" - This rarely produced musical gem, based on the smash-hit 1987 movie, bursts onstage in this vibrant, tuneful, funny and touching production by three of Broadway's modern masters. When frustrated adolescent Josh Baskin wishes he were big and wakes up the next morning a 30 year-old man, he discovers there's much more to being an adult than he'd bargained for - and learns we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time. A witty, moving, insightful book and a dazzling, energetic, heartfelt, contemporary score turn this already classic motion picture fantasy into an unforgettable theatrical experience.

The cast of BIG, THE MUSICAL features Ashley Marie Arnold, Sterling Beaumon, LJ Benet, Will Collyer, Coby Getzug, Johanna Kent, Lisa Picotte, Darrin Revitz, Alex Scolari, Sara J. Stuckey, Kailey Swanson and Stephen Vendette.

BIG, The Musical will open Friday, May 8 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, June 28 at The El Centro Theater, 800 N. El Centro Ave. in Hollywood. Preview performances will be Tuesday, May 5 at 8pm; Wednesday, May 6 at 8pm and Thursday, May 7 at 8:00pm. Ticket prices are $20 previews; $30 general; $25 student/senior/union; $20 ALL KIDS UNDER EIGHTEEN! Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. For tickets, please visit www.tix.com or call the West Coast Ensemble Box Office at 323-460-4443 for groups or additional ticket information.