William Hauptman and Roger Miller s  Big River  is a toe tapping testament to the endurance of the novel that Ernest Hemingway dubbed the genesis of all modern American literature (and that millions of high schoolers call  the first time I used SparkNotes ). This musical adaptation came to Broadway in 1985, 101 years after Twain s original publication, and was warmly received (as evidenced by the production s seven Tony awards and six Drama Desk awards). However, recent professional revivals have drawn criticism for the use of a slave chorus. Outside of Jim (an escaped slave and friend of Huck), none of the  slave  characters undergo substantive character development or play an integral role in any essential plot points. In light of the current political climate, this exclusion seems inappropriate.

From their perches on the dynamic set s sidelines, ensemble members maintained consistent, active spectatorship as they joined the audience in watching the tale unfold. The individual ensemble members were not only able to create distinctive and colorful characters but were also able to work as a unit, creating a single body that lived and breathed. When they lent their voices to a song, tight and powerful harmonies rang through the theater space. Actors who juggled multiple characters tackled the balancing act admirably, creating clear differentiation between each unique role.

Mark Scuoloski (Huckleberry) never faltered as he maneuvered through what was essentially a two hour monologue. He epitomized the kindhearted scruff that is synonymous with the overalled Huck as he grappled with the morality that the audience is warned not to seek under threat of banishment. Sucoloski s vocals glimmered with smooth clarity in charming numbers like  I, Huckleberry, Me . Jay Jordan (Jim) grounded Sucoloski s naive Huck with husky, controlled vocals.

Mumbi Wainaina (Alice) dazzled as she expertly toed the line between grace and strength as she led hauntingly beautiful numbers like  The Crossing . Though her time as Alice was brief, Wainaina painted a powerful portrait of a grieving mother that shook the audience to their cores. Will LaMoure (Tom Sawyer) brought a mischievous spark to the stage as he romped through the tale with free, intentional physicality.

Joey Ghirardelli’s prop design added immensely to the realism of the piece. Most props seemed appropriately period and those that were not were seamlessly integrated into the production (see: stuffed pig). Tim McGraw and Nick Kolansy s lighting was effectual and unobtrusive. Similarly, Lauren Chaney’s simple makeup design heightened the sense of raw realism that permeates this tale.

Forget the hog! How bout a hand for the Loyola Blakefield Players  production of  Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn !

by Lizzy Dixon of Annapolis