Test your knowledge of Big River and see how well you know this iconic musical based on Mark Twain's classic novel. Featuring bluegrass and country music, Big River captivated audiences with its unique storytelling approach, including both hearing and deaf actors in its 2003 revival. With over 1,000 performances on Broadway and a total of 7 Tony Awards, Big River remains a landmark in musical theater. Dive into these fun trivia questions to learn more surprising facts about the show!
International Productions
- In 1989, an Australian production of Big River starred Cameron Daddo as Huckleberry Finn and featured international artists like Jon English and Marcia Hines.
Musical Composition
- Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn features bluegrass and country music, reflecting the setting of Mark Twain's original 1884 novel.
Production Facts
- The original Broadway production of Big River opened in 1985 and ran for over 1,000 performances.
- Big River won 7 Tony Awards in 1985, including Best Musical.
- The first productions of Big River were staged at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge and the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 1984.
- Notably, the 2003 Broadway revival of Big River included both deaf and hearing actors, making it accessible to both hearing and deaf audiences with all dialogue and lyrics spoken or sung and signed.
- Daniel H. Jenkins, who played Huck in the original Broadway cast, provided the voice for Huck in the 2003 revival while the role was performed by deaf actor Tyrone Giordano.
- The 2003 revival by Roundabout Theatre Company and Deaf West Theatre was directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun.
- A concert version of Big River was presented by Encores! in 2017 featuring Kyle Scatliffe as Jim and Nicholas Barasch as Huckleberry Finn.
