Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (1985 Original Broadway Cast)
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CD Details
Brand: BIG RIVERComposer: Roger Miller
Performer: Roger Miller
Performer: Dan Jenkins
Performer: Rene Auberjonois
Performer: Jennifer Leigh Warren
Performer: Patti Cohenour
Performer: Carol Dennis
Performer: John Short
Edition: Music CD
Format: Cast Recording
Published: 1990
CD Release Date: 1990-10-25
Music Label: Decca U.S.
Soundtracks:
- Overture
- Do Ya Wanna Go To Heaven?
- The Boys
- Waitin' For The Light To Shine
- Guv'ment
- Hand For The Hog
- I, Huckleberry, Me
- Muddy Water
- The Crossing
- River In The Rain
- When The Sun Goes Down In The South
- Entracte
- The Royal Nonesuch
- Worlds Apart
- Arkansas/How Blest We Are
- You Oughta Be Here With Me
- Leavin's Not The Only way To Go
- Waitin' For The Light To Shine (Reprise)
- Free At Last
- Muddy Water (Reprise)
Music reviews of Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (1985 Original Broadway Cast)
Music Review: Musical theater at its best
Rating: 5 Stars
This musical is really a monumental achievement. I find it difficult to believe that I only happened upon this recording relatively recently. It is definitely underappreciated or at least under-recognized/popular.
Here we have the great American novel by Mark Twain distilled and presented by the musical and lyrical talent of Roger Miller. I am no fan of country music, but I do love other forms of "indigenous" American music. Many forms of classic Americana are celebrated within this musical. In fairness, a couple of the songs are simply throwaway in my opinion (e.g. "Guv'ment" [I could do without John Goodman's rant], "The Royal Nonesuch"). They are relevant to the plot but do nothing for the greatness of the score. Otherwise, we have a Dixieland delight ("When the Sun Goes Down in the South"), a couple of beautiful and soulful spirituals ("The Crossing", "How Blest We Are"), a few funny ditties ("Hand for the Hog", "Arkansas", "The Boys"), and more. Though I do not like country, a couple songs are undeniably from that genre ("You Oughta Be Here With Me", "River in the Rain") yet they are so wonderful and catchy I love even them. A couple ballads are exquisite ("Worlds Apart", "Leavin's Not the Only Way to Go") - I mean these songs are achingly beautiful; just phenomenal. The soulful "Muddy Water" and "Free at Last" are also quite exceptional.
The story concerns the relationship between a country boy (Huck) and a runaway slave (Jim). At its heart, though, the story is one of self-discovery or self-fulfillment for Huck in particular. We first encounter him being told by everyone from church members to Tom Sawyer how he should live his life ("Do You Wanna Go to Heaven"). As he strikes out on his own, he must determine who he wants to be, or who he truly is ("I, Huckleberry, Me"). Through his experiences with Jim and others, he chooses his path. In a moment of defiance, he crosses his point of no return and fully commits himself to his "destiny" ("Waitin' for the Light to Shine"). It is a powerful and powerfully moving experience.
The entire cast does an exceptional job (I would personally omit John Goodman, but I am willing to attribute that to a personal quirk). The actors wonderfully fit their characters. Special mention must be made, however, of Ron Richardson who portrays Jim. He plays the part perfectly. I cannot fathom any other voice in this role. Such soul! Every song he sings is just marvelous.
Perhaps I am more moved than others would be due to my own southern upbringing. Perhaps this musical in both its score and plot strike a chord with me not present in all others. Be that as it may, I cannot recommend this CD enthusiastically enough. Just to be able to experience "Worlds Apart" is alone reason enough to purchase this wonderful recording ("I see the same skies through brown eyes that you see through blue, but we're worlds apart... world's apart"). Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
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Description of Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (1985 Original Broadway Cast)
No Description AvailableNo Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: BIG RIVER
Title: ORIGINAL CAST
Street Release Date: 06/23/1988
Genre: CAST RECORDINGS
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