Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Music by Roger Miller
Lyrics by Roger Miller
Book by William Hauptman
Adapted from the novel by Mark Twain

Directed by David Lawver

Guest artist Gregory Brumfield returns to the Oregon Straw Hat Players stage in his signature role of Jim and Straw Hat veteran Nathan Fosbinder plays Mark Twain's immortal hero.

Twain's timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel-the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck's partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck's drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana

Produced by Oregon Straw Hat Players at Oregon Performing Arts Center, 456 N. Perry Parkway, Oregon

Performances: July 30 - August 6, 2011

Performance Times: July 30, 2011, 8 pm
July 31, 2011, 2 pm
August 4, 2011, 8 pm
August 5, 2011, 8 pm
August 6, 2011, 2 pm
August 6, 2011, 8 pm

Ticket Prices: $11 in advance, $13 at the door

Call 608-835-9126 for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions will be held Monday, May 23, and Tuesday, May 24, at 7 pm in the Performing Arts Center at Oregon High School, 456 North Perry Parkway.

Auditioners should prepare a portion of one minute or less of a country or bluegrass style song, preferably from a musical. An accompanist will be provided. Auditioners may also be asked to read from the script.

Suggested audition selections: songs from Big River, any song by Roger Miller, and songs from Shenandoah, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, or 9 to 5.

It is not necessary to attend both nights of auditions. If there are a lot of auditioners please be prepared to be patient and wait.

Note that the roles of Jim and Huck have already been cast. Many roles are available for men, boys, women, and girls of all ages. African-American performers are especially required.

For more information about auditions contact director David Lawver at lawvd@charter.net.