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Big 1996

Opened: April 28, 1996
Closing: October 13, 1996

Big - 1996 Broadway History , Info & More

Shubert Theatre (Broadway)
225 West 44th St. New York, NY

Based on the 20th Century Fox motion picture, with a screenplay by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg

The 1987 hit movie featuring Tom Hanks bursts onstage in this vibrant, funny and touching musical. 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's 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 make this already classic motion picture fantasy an unforgettable theatrical experience. 'Big' is satisfyingly good. The music of David Shire, the lyrics of Richard Maltby Jr., the book by Jerome Weidman and the choreography by Susan Stroman extol all the values of the grand tradition of musicals. At the Kentucky Center for the Arts.


Big - 1996 - Broadway Cast

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Kate Baldwin, Liz Callaway & More to Join AN EVENING WITH MALTBY & SHIRE AND FRIENDS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 23, 2024


Symphony Space has revealed details of An Evening with Maltby & Shire and Friends. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Tony-Winner Richard Maltby, Jr. To Direct THE STORY GOES ON: THE SONGS OF MALTBY AND SHIRE At Weathervane Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2024


Tony winner Richard Maltby Jr. will direct a new revue for Weathervane's 2024 season, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary musical numbers.

Ford And Campbell Join Workshop Of New Edward Kleban Musical GALLERY
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2024


Join the Weathervane Theatre for a workshop presentation of the new Edward Kleban musical, GALLERY, starring Sara Jean Ford and Ta’Rea Campbell.

Sara Jean Ford and Ta'Rea Campbell Join Workshop of Ed Kleban's GALLERY
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 11, 2024


The Weathervane Theatre will offer a workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban. We have all the details!

Mary Testa to Star in GALLERY Workshop Presentation at The Weathervane Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2024


The Weathervane Theatre will offer a Workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban (A Chorus Line). Learn more about Gallery and see who is starring!

Brad Oscar, Jelani Remy, Christina Sajous & More to Star in in THE COUNTRY WIFE at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 26, 2023


Get the latest news on Red Bull Theater's upcoming production of THE COUNTRY WIFE, featuring an incredible cast including Nicholas Christopher, Carson Elrod, Eddie Korbich, Kristolyn Lloyd, Jacob Ming-Trent, Brad Oscar, Jelani Remy, and Lauren Worsham. Don't miss this one-night-only event.

Barbara Bleier & Austin Pendleton Welcome Some OLD FRIENDS! To Pangea May 2nd and 9th
by Stephen Mosher - Apr 6, 2023


Cabaret Darlings Barbara Bleier and Austin Pendleton return to Pangea with some OLD FRIENDS!

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' to Open Ebony Repertory Theatre 15th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 29, 2023


Ebony Repertory Theatre will present the Tony Award-winning musical AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ as its 15th Anniversary Season Opening Production. 

MNM Theatre Company To Stream Maltby & Shire's CLOSER THAN EVER On Demand
by Carol Kassie - Oct 13, 2020


MNM Theatre Company, like almost every theatre company around the world, has been drastically affected by COVID-19. All scheduled productions have either been cancelled or postponed indefinitely, with no re-start date in sight. 

The Last Twenty-Two Years: A Timeline of Two-Time Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz
by Nicole Ciravolo - Mar 17, 2018


Two-time Tony Award Winner Norbert Leo Butz is about to take the stage again this year in the Broadway Revival of My Fair Lady as Alfred P. Doolittle -- a part that won George Rose the Tony back in 1976. Butz is one of only nine actors who have won the Best Actor Tony twice (alongside stars like Nathan Lane). As he prepares to take stage yet again, let's reflect on his career: all twenty two years of it!

New Musical ROAD TO HEAVEN: THE JONATHAN LEE MUSICAL Gets D.C. Reading Today Before Shanghai Premiere
by BWW News Desk - Dec 12, 2017


China Broadway Entertainment announces its latest original global musical: Road to Heaven: The Jonathan Lee Musical. Adapted from the novel by internationally acclaimed author Li Xiuwen, the original musical will feature music by one of China's most iconic singer-songwriters Jonathan Lee.

New Musical ROAD TO HEAVEN: THE JONATHAN LEE MUSICAL Gets D.C. Reading Before Shanghai Premiere
by BWW News Desk - Sep 19, 2017


China Broadway Entertainment announces its latest original global musical: Road to Heaven: The Jonathan Lee Musical. Adapted from the novel by internationally acclaimed author Li Xiuwen, the original musical will feature music by one of China's most iconic singer-songwriters Jonathan Lee.

Andrea Burns, Bryan Terrell Clark, Lilli Cooper and More to Star in Concert Reading of Maltby & Shire's THE COUNTRY WIFE
by BWW News Desk - Jun 13, 2017


Red Bull Theater today announced a very special Revelation Reading: for two nights only, on Sunday, June 18th and Monday June 19th at The Duke on 42nd Street (229 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues) Red Bull will present a concert reading of  THE COUNTRY WIFE, a new musical adapted from the play of the same name by William Wycherley by Richard Maltby Jr. with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and music by David Shire, and direction by Mr. Maltby.  

Maltby & Shire's New Musical Adaptation of THE COUNTRY WIFE Gets Reading at Red Bull Theater
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2017


Red Bull Theater today announced a very special Revelation Reading: for two nights only, on Sunday, June 18th and Monday June 19th at The Duke on 42nd Street (229 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues) Red Bull will present a concert reading of  THE COUNTRY WIFE, a new musical adapted from the play of the same name by William Wycherley by Richard Maltby Jr. with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and music by David Shire, and direction by Mr. Maltby. 

Photo Flash: First Look at Maltby & Shire's CLOSER THAN EVER at ICT
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 12, 2016


 Two dozen wise and witty "songs of experience" with charming melodies and smartly crafted lyrics.International City Theatre opens its 2016 season with a recently updated version of Closer Than Ever, the Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Best off-Broadway Musical that also netted Drama Desk nominations for lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. and composer David Shire. Directed and choreographed by Todd Nielsen, with musical direction by Gerald Sternbach, and starring ICT favorites Kevin Bailey (Abigail/1702),Valerie Perri (The Sweepers), Adam von Almen (The Heir Apparent) and newcomer Katheryne Penny, Closer Than Ever opens February 12at ICT's home in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. Two low-priced previews take place on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11.

Maltby & Shire's CLOSER THAN EVER to Play ICT, 2/12-3/6
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 6, 2016


Two dozen wise and witty 'songs of experience' with charming melodies and smartly crafted lyrics. International City Theatre opens its 2016 season with a recently updated version of Closer Than Ever, the Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Best off-Broadway Musical that also netted Drama Desk nominations for lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr. and composer David Shire. Directed and choreographed by Todd Nielsen, with musical direction by Gerald Sternbach, and starring ICT favorites Kevin Bailey (Abigail/1702), Valerie Perri (The Sweepers), Adam von Almen (The Heir Apparent) and newcomer Katheryne Penny, Closer Than Ever opens February 12 at ICT's home in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. Two low-priced previews take place on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11.

Photo Flash: First Look at Barbara Walsh as 'Margaret White' in Studio 2ndStage's CARRIE: THE MUSICAL in D.C.
by BWW News Desk - Jul 14, 2014


Studio 2ndStage's final production of the 2013-2014 season is the edgy and strangely charming Carrie: The Musical, co-directed by Studio 2ndStage Artistic Director Keith Alan Baker and Jacob Janssen. From Lawrence D. Cohen,Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, 2ndStage's CARRIE stars Tony Award nominee Barbara Walsh as Carrie's mother, Margaret White, with Emily Zickler making her Studio Theatre debut playing the titular role. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

Photo Flash: Barbara Walsh Stars in Studio 2ndStage's CARRIE, Beginning Tonight in D.C.
by BWW News Desk - Jul 9, 2014


Studio 2ndStage's final production of the 2013-2014 season is the edgy and strangely charming Carrie: The Musical, co-directed by Studio 2ndStage Artistic Director Keith Alan Baker and Jacob Janssen. From Lawrence D. Cohen, Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, 2ndStage's CARRIE stars Tony Award nominee Barbara Walsh as Carrie's mother, Margaret White, with Emily Zickler making her Studio Theatre debut playing the titular role. Scroll down for a look at the mother-daughter duo!

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Barbara Walsh in Studio 2ndStage's CARRIE in Washington, D.C.
by BWW News Desk - Jul 3, 2014


Studio 2ndStage's final production of the 2013-2014 season is the edgy and strangely charming Carrie: The Musical, co-directed by Studio 2ndStage Artistic Director Keith Alan Baker and Jacob Janssen. From Lawrence D. Cohen, Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, 2ndStage's CARRIE stars Tony Award nominee Barbara Walsh as Carrie's mother, Margaret White, with Emily Zickler making her Studio Theatre debut playing the titular role. Scroll down for a first look at the mother-daughter duo!

Richard Maltby Jr.'s AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' to Return to New York?
by Hilary Kelly - Apr 18, 2014


The Delaware Theatre Company's production of Ain't Misbehavin', directed by Richard Maltby, Jr., could be eying a return to the New York stage, according to Delaware Online.

Photo Flash: First Look at Delaware Theatre Company's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', Directed By Richard Maltby, Jr.
by Diana Heisroth - Apr 9, 2014


Delaware Theatre Company's production of AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz, opened this past weekend. The production is directed by original Broadway director and co-creator Richard Maltby, Jr. and features his own handpicked cast alongside the original designs from the 1978 Tony Award-winning production. Scroll down for some pictures from the show!

Richard Maltby, Jr. Directs Star-Studded Cast for DTC's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', Now thru 4/27
by BWW News Desk - Apr 2, 2014


Delaware Theatre Company will close its 35th season with the 35th anniversary of the hit musical AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz. Delaware Theatre Company's production will be directed by original Broadway director and co-creator Richard Maltby, Jr. and feature his own handpicked cast alongside the original designs from the 1978 Tony Award-winning production.

Richard Maltby, Jr. to Direct Star-Studded Cast for DTC's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', 4/2-27
by BWW News Desk - Mar 17, 2014


Delaware Theatre Company will close its 35th season with the 35th anniversary of the hit musical AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz. Delaware Theatre Company's production will be directed by original Broadway director and co-creator Richard Maltby, Jr. and feature his own handpicked cast alongside the original designs from the 1978 Tony Award-winning production.

John Weidman to Host 'A Conversation with Theresa Rebeck' at Drama Book Shop, 10/21
by Tyler Peterson - Oct 9, 2013


Smash creator, Theresa Rebeck opens up about her career and the release of her fourth volume of collected plays with a book signing to follow. The event is set for Monday, October 21st at 5pm at The Drama Book Shop.

Harbor Lights To Offer a Master Class With Richard Maltby 3/24
by BWW News Desk - Mar 24, 2012


The Harbor Lights Theater Company, Staten Island's own professional theater company, announces the first session of its 2012 master class series.

Big FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the songs in Big and what's the order?
Can't Wait
Talk to Her
The Carnival
Zoltar Speaks
This Isn't Me
I Want to Go Home
The Time of Your Life
Fun
Dr. Deathstar
Josh's Welcome
Here We Go Again
Do You Wanna Play Games?
Stars, Stars, Stars
Tavern Foxtrot
Cross the Line
It's Time
Stop, Time
Happy Birthday, Josh
Dancing All the Time
I Want to Know
Coffee, Black
The Real Thing
One Special Man
When You're Big
Skateboard Romance
Your Wish Is Granted
I'm a Kid
I'm a Kid II
I'm a M-O-T-H-E-R
No Problem
Welcome to MacMillan Toys
My Secretary's in Love
There Goes That Music Again
The Product
Little Yellow Duck
A Little Fun
Office Quartet
My Very Best Friend
Let's Not Move Too Fast
Turn Into Something
Not Quite in Love
Little Susan Lawrence
March to the Music
You're Only Young Once
Cross Over the Line
Wha' Da Kids Want?
At the Mall
Happy As I'll Ever Be
Your Choice
The Ballad of Pound Ridge
The Twelve Toys of Christmas
What Is This?
At the Right Time
To Be a Man
Through the Eyes of a Child
Growing Pains
Now I Really Know
We're Gonna Be Fine
Like a Grown-up
Office Romance
She Kissed Me
Move
Say Good Morning to Mom
I'll Think About It Later
You Don't Want to Know
Dish at the Dance
Thirteen
Isn't It Magic?
Big
Port Authority Shuffle
Big Boys
Outta Here!
Turning into Something
Overture
Opening Sequence
Say Good Morning To Mom
You're A Big Boy Now
Time Of Your Life
Fun (Tag)
Welcome To MacMillan Toys
My Secretary's In Love
MacMillan Toys 2
Let's Not Move Too Fast
Do You Want To Play Games?
Stars
Little Susan Lawrence
Cross The Line
It's Time
Stop, Time
The Nightmare
Dancing All The Time
I Want To Know
Coffee, Black
The Real Thing
Josh's "big"/Ballet
We're Gonna Be Fine

Big History

Other Productions of Big

1996   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2019   West End West End Premiere
West End

Big - 1996 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1996 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Musical Daniel Jenkins
1996 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Crista Moore
1996 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Book of a Musical John Weidman
1996 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Broadway Musical 0
1996 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical John Weidman
1996 Tony Awards Best Choreography Susan Stroman
1996 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre David Shire
1996 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Richard Maltby, Jr
1996 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Brett Tabisel
1996 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Crista Moore

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