Musical"Big River"opens May 18
Photo/Kenn Wheeler
Tristan Stufflebeam, left, as "Huck Finn" and Harold Poeling as "Jim" rehearse their
escape down the Mississippi River in EOU's production of "Big River."
La Grande, Oregon – The theater department at Eastern Oregon University will present “Big River,” a musical adaptation of the Mark Twain novel “Huckleberry Finn.”
“Big River” opens May 18-21 at 8 p.m., with a matinee performance on May 21 at 2 p.m. in EOU’s McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall. Kenn Wheeler, assistant professor of theatre at EOU will direct the performance. Jesse Jones will be the musical director, and Kelsey Robertson will serve as the stage manager.
“We’ve gathered the finest singers and actors at EOU, with an orchestra full of amazing players, brilliant scenery that speaks of a lazy day on the banks of the Mississippi River, lights that go from an early morning sunrise to a midnight thunderstorm, and costumes that remind you of life down on the farm. This is going to be an exhilarating experience for the whole family!” said Wheeler.
In addition to the regular performances, two special shows at area schools have been added to the schedule. A shortened performance for elementary and middle school students will held on Thursday, May 19, and a complete performance for high school students will be given on Friday, May 20. Tickets are $1 for elementary and middle school students and $3 for high school students. Both school performances begin at 10 a.m.
“Big River,” by playwright William Hauptman, focuses on Huck’s decision to help Jim, an escaped slave, remain free. Huck and Jim encounter the classic characters of “The Duke” and “The King,” during their misadventures with the Wilkes family, and their chance meeting with Tom Sawyer’s relatives, the Phelps family. Mark Twain makes a few cameo appearances and narrates portions of the show. Music and lyrics are by country music legend Roger Miller.
Tristan Stufflebeam will play the role of Huckleberry Finn. He is a freshman from Caldwell, Idaho studying music at EOU. Lawrence Danton, of Ellensburg, Wash., will play Mark Twain. Danton is a Sergeant and active duty member working in the rear detachment of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 3-116 Armored Cavalry Battalion currently serving in Iraq.
David Mather, of Baker City, will play Tom Sawyer. Mather has extensive theater experience at EOU including an Iran Ryan nomination for his acting work in the 2003-2004 production of “Hole in the Sky.”
Adam Tracy, of Portland, will play the role of the “Duke.” Tracy is a vocal music major at EOU. Buck Potter will play the “King.” Potter is a liberal studies major at EOU.
Harold Poeling, EOU student and longtime resident of La Grande, and will star as the runaway slave “Jim.” Poeling is completing his bachelor’s degree in music education at EOU.
“Big River” stage manager Kelsey Robertson, of Everett, Wash., will graduate from EOU this spring with a degree in theater arts. Both actor and technician, Robertson has an extensive background in theater.
Jesse Jones, musical director, is a senior at EOU studying music composition. He recently accepted a Graduate Fellowship Award in Music Composition at the University of Oregon beginning in the fall of 2005.
Tickets are $8 for general admission and $6 for students and senior citizens, and can be purchased through the EOU box office by calling (541)-962-3757.
For additional information contact Michael L. Minthorn, promotions manager, at minthom@eou.edu. Teachers or school administrators may also direct any questions to Minthorn.
For a complete list of cast and production members, visit the theater department’s web site at www.eou.edu/theatre.
Contact Information for Admissions
Eastern Oregon University
University Advancement
One University Boulevard
Ackerman Hall, Room 209
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: 541-962-3740
Fax: 541-962-3680
Email: advancement@eou.edu