The mighty Mississippi pays a visit to the Pacolet and you might just find yourself swept away. “Big River,” a musical based on Mark Twain’s classic novel “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” is the upcoming production of Tryon Little Theater (TLT). The show will play at Tryon Fine Arts Center from Feb. 19-22.

TLT posed a few questions to artistic director Debbie Craig-Archer and music director Ben Chumley.

TLT: The Tryon Little Theater sign on Hwy. 176 promises a “wonderful musical.” What makes this show wonderful?

Craig-Archer: The works of Mark Twain are wonderful in and of themselves. Twain’s characters are fun, real, but at the same time bigger than life and thoughtful.

TLT: What kind of music can the audience look forward to?

Chumley: The music of “Big River” is uniquely American … simple, sturdy, honest. Written by singer/songwriter/actor Roger Miller, it has its roots in Southern Folk and bluegrass, but also includes a little country, a touch of gospel, some beautiful ballads, and few pure Broadway numbers.

TLT: What can you tell us about your cast?

Craig-Archer: I am very blessed to have an awesome cast and crew. We are having a good time but working hard.  Ben (Chumley) and I work very well together and demand the best from our actors. And they deliver! Alex (Huck) and Ty (Jim) are developing a great chemistry and it’s been a pleasure to work with them.  I could continue to brag on the talent but I’ll just leave it at: come to the show and see for yourself.

TLT: While “Big River” is sure to entertain, there is no denying the show’s historical lessons. What were some of the artistic decisions you had to make?

Craig-Archer: February is Black History Month celebrating the journey and successes as well as the struggles and strengths of a people. How appropriate to do “Big River” in February.  Spartanburg Little Theater recently presented a beautiful production of Civil War and now we are presenting another look at the same theme…lest we forget. But we can learn from the ugliness and embrace the positive message. I hope that’s what I have done.

TLT: Is this show appropriate for all ages?

Craig-Archer: Absolutely!

TLT: Do you have a favorite song?

Craig-Archer: “Worlds Apart” – the lyrics and message are so awesome and relevant. Embrace our differences and live together in peace and equality. “I see the same sky through brown eyes that you see through blue…”

Chumley: “Leavin’s Not the Only Way to Go” encapsulates the show for me: “people reach new understandings all the time; they take a second look, maybe change their minds.” Our world could use a little more of that.

TLT: Thank you and “break a leg.”

 

-Submitted by Petra Harrelson