big the musical for MLOC Productions

MLOC Productions presents big the musical from June 14 – 22, 2013 at the Phoenix Theatre, Elwood (Vic).

Based on the 1988 movie BIG, starring Tom Hanks, big the musical tells of twelve year old Josh Baskin wishing he was grown-up.

A carnival Zoltar machine grants Josh's wish and he begins to live life as an adult ... but is being 'big' all that it is cracked up to be?

Christian Cavallo will soon be adding the role of Josh Baskin Senior to his impressive CV, and says big is a show he has always wanted to perform in.

When first hearing the big Soundtrack almost ten years ago, Christian remembers thinking "I have to play Josh one day!", but then realised he still had some growing up to do himself before becoming suitable for the role!

"I'm a big kid anyway, so it's fun getting to play that on stage," he says.

Young Josh's idea of being a grown-up means that Christian gets away with wearing some 'out there' costumes.

"I end up in some unique situations and make a number of faux pas," he says.

" It makes for great comedy!"

So how did Christian's interest in theatre start? He says it all began in Geelong, where he played Marius in Les Misérables, receiving two nominations from the Victorian Music Theatre Guild. Then Christian's portrayal of Michael Spofford in The Witches of Eastwick won him the VMTG Judge's Award, and he also played Billy Crocker in Anything Goes.

Since moving to Melbourne in 2007, Christian has performed with the Whitehorse Musical Theatre Company in A Chorus Line (Paul San Marco), receiving a Lyrebird Award nomination, Seussical (Wickersham Brother), RENT (Benny), CLOC Musical Theatre's Blood Brothers (Eddie Lyons), in SHooSH! Productions in bare (Zach) and I Love You Because (Austin Bennett).

Christian's exciting theatre journey continued in 2010, when he worked as Assistant to the Director for Magnormos Production's [title of show] and also performed in Working For Three Big Men Productions. 

His 2011 performances included It's Only Life with John Bucchino in both Melbourne at Chapel off Chapel, and in New York, at Birdland.  

Christian originated the role of Martin in the premiere of Once We Were, and features on the original cast recording.

He also directed the premiere new production of Eurobeat: Almost Eurovision, performed regularly at theatre restaurant Witches in Britches and toured with Joey and Maria's All Italian-American Wedding as Joey, the groom.

Christian last appeared as Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone for Fab Nobs Theatre.

By day, Christian works in advertising as a graphic designer, and freelances as Caval Design.  

Christian can't wait to let his inner child run rampant as Josh, in this "great production of big the musical, with its positive message."

He says the show is about enjoying life, taking the time to have some fun, and not getting too caught up in the pressures of the day-to-day world, whether you're a school kid or a high-flying executive.  

"It's a great show for the whole family."

Big the musical is directed by Trish Carr, with musical direction by Geoff Earle and choreography by Keir Jasper.

big the musical

Music by David Shire. Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Book by John Weidman.

Performance Season:  June 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 8.00pm

June 16, 22 at 2.00pm

Venue:   Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, Elwood

Tickets: $32/$30/$28

Bookings:  www.mloc.org.au   Enquiries: (03) 9808 9775.

Images (from top): Christian Cavallo (Josh Snr.) left, with Lachlan Bradshaw (Josh Jnr.); Christian Cavallo, Josh Snr. in big the musical; Mitchell Hurrey, left, (Josh’s mate Billy Kopecki), with Lachlan Bradshaw (Josh Jnr.); Carly Hobbs (Susan Lawrence) and Christian Cavallo (Josh Baskin Snr.) and Chris D’Alterio is the magical Zoltar machine. Photographer:  Trevor Lowther

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