Big River 1985

Opened: April 25, 1985
Closing: September 20, 1987

Big River - 1985 - Broadway History , Info & More

Eugene O'Neill Theatre (Broadway)
230 West 49th St. New York, NY

Based on the novel Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The production is based on the 2003 Broadway staging by the Roundabout Theatre Company and the American Deaf West Theatre. Huckleberry Finn narrates the story of Huck, a young man who takes a long journey to accompany an escaped slave named Jim on his quest for freedom. In the process, Huck learns a great deal about himself and about the developing country around him.



The show blends American Sign Language (ASL) with traditional choreography and staging, affording a unique opportunity for deaf and hearing actors to work collaboratively and provide accessibility to a wider audience. In this adaptation, every line and lyric is simultaneously performed in spoken (or sung) English and ASL, and interwoven with music, dance, and storytelling techniques from both hearing and deaf cultures.

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Big River FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Big River have there been?
Big River has had 8 productions including Broadway which opened in 1985, Broadway which opened in 1985, US Tour which opened in 1986, US Tour which opened in 1987, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 1997, Broadway which opened in 2003, Broadway which opened in 2003 and US Tour which opened in 2004.
What Tony Awards has Big River been nominated for?
Big River has been nominated for several Tony Awards. These include nominations for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Costume Design for Patricia McGourty, Best Direction of a Musical for Des McAnuff, Best Lighting Design for Richard Riddell, and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Roger Miller.
What Tony Awards has Big River won?
Big River has won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Big River, Best Costume Design for Patricia McGourty, Best Direction of a Musical for Des McAnuff, Best Lighting Design for Richard Riddell, and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Roger Miller.
What awards has Big River been nominated for?
Big River has been nominated for several awards. These include Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Lighting Design, Outstanding Lyrics, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Orchestrations, Outstanding Set Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Scenic Design. Patricia McGourty was nominated for Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards, as well as for Costume Design at The Hewes Awards. Richard Riddell received a nomination for Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards, as well as for Lighting Design at The Hewes Awards. Roger Miller was nominated for Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards. Steven Margoshes and Danny Troob were both nominated for Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards. Heidi Landesman-Ettinger received nominations for Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards and Scenic Design at The Hewes Awards.
What awards has Big River won?
Big River has won several awards for its outstanding achievements in various categories. These include the following: - Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Patricia McGourty - Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Richard Riddell - Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Roger Miller - Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for Roger Miller - Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for Steven Margoshes - Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for Danny Troob - Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Heidi Landesman - Costume Design at The Hewes Awards for Patricia McGourty - Lighting Design at The Hewes Awards for Richard Riddell - Scenic Design at The Hewes Awards for Heidi Landesman-Ettinger These awards highlight the exceptional talent and creativity showcased in Big River.

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