Saturday, May 23, 2009
Big, the Musical is Big on Fun
Growing up can be painful, awkward and agonizing. Yes, we’ve all been through it, but given the chance, I bet almost none of us would ever wish to repeat the experience. You can relive some of the angst of growing up at West Coast Ensemble’s current production, Big, the Musical, which follows Josh, a nice, normal (and terribly tongue-tied-around-girls) boy who wants more than anything to skip his awkward stage and just be “big.” Of course, his assumption is that being big will solve all of his problems.
After making a wish playing the Zoltar machine at the carnival, Josh magically wakes up the following morning as himself, but in the body of a grown man. Unfortunately, he’s about to see that being big isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when it happens before you’re ready.
Big, the Musical is based on the 1988 movie of the same name, which starred an unforgettable Tom Hanks as Josh. Taking on the role in West Coast Ensemble’s production is Will Collyer, a perfect choice to follow in the footsteps of Hanks. Along with a stellar cast, he sings and dances his way through numbers that prove just how much fun this musical really is. “Coffee Black” is one of the standouts. Even more importantly, however, is his ability to honestly bring Josh’s feelings to life, which often make us laugh, and yet unexpectedly tug at our heart strings too. The simplicity of songs like “I Want to Go Home” show him at his best.
Darrin Revitz plays Susan, and Stephen Vendette her highly competitive corporate ladder climbing boyfriend Paul. Add in Larry Lederman as MacMillan and suddenly you have the makings of some real fun. It’s clear these actors are having a good time on stage. Director Richard Israel has put together an ensemble that makes the most of each moment, including Lisa Picotte as Mrs. Baskin, Johanna Kent as Mrs. Kopecki (and some very funny featured characters), Jake Wesley Stewart as Mr. Baskin and a talented group of children. Sterling Beaumon (Billy Kopecki) appeared in WCE’s Assassins and is probably best recognized as young Ben on ABC TV’s Lost. LJ Benet as young Josh credits include the young Tommy in The Who’s Tommy.
Big, the Musical is a fun-filled show for the whole family. Take your kids. Take your friends. Take anyone who wants to have a good time. It runs through June 28 at the El Centro Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets, go to http://www.westcoastensemble.org/.
