Big River

In reviving Big River, Ballina has presented a seldom seen musical and what a joy it is.

Paul’s staging of the story based on Mark Twain’s loveable characters including Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, is full of wit interwoven with Roger Miller’s music, a fabulous set including the raft “floating” down the mighty Mississippi is certainly a force to be reckoned with: so much so it has received 3 short list nomination’s for this years Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards to be announced next month.

The talented cast is led by Brian Pamphilon as Huck, “star in the making” Josh Green as Tom, Carl Moore as the coloured slave Jim with Tim Roberts and Graeme Speed as ‘The Duke’ and ‘The King’ respectively.

Jamie Sheehan’s choreography added to the goings on of the River Folk and, as one has come to expect, great technical support made this an enjoyable evening.

The nominees for the awards are Brian Pamphilon -  Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Carl Moore – Best supporting Actor in a Musical and Big River -  Outstanding Community Theatre Production.

Well done all around.

Roger McKenzie