Review: Carley Has A 'Big' Heart To Make Show Work
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
When I was a child I was inspired by Mrs. Eherenman's reading in second grade of E.B. White's "Charlotte's Webb" to one day write stories of my own that would fill readers with the same magic that I felt.
I wanted to change the world with the power of words.
Then I grew up, became cynical, and became a journalist.
But watching opening night of Wagon Wheel Theatre's production of "Big, the Musical," I felt a little spark of that magic, hope and joy again. It reminded me of the good times a child has before facing the daily grinds of adulthood.
And a lot of that heart and happiness arises with the spectacular performance of Derek Carley as the grown-up version of Josh Baskin. He enjoys the role so much, it radiates like fire out into the crowd, leaving smiles on each person's face who lets themselves be reminded of the joys of their youth.
Carley, a 20-year-old University of Michigan student originally from Seattle, is in his first year at Wagon Wheel Theatre, but after seeing him in "Big," audiences will look forward to seeing him in future romantic-comedy roles. Carley's ability to remain young at heart and display that exuberance also is an attribute for his role in "Big."
In the musical, based on the 1988 Tom Hanks movie, 12-year-old Josh (Derek Grose) has a crush on Cynthia Benson (Sarah Grant), 14, but can't seem to make a connection. Josh's best friend Billy Kopecki (Michael Notardonato) tries to help his buddy out, but all the advice in the world doesn't seem to help. Frustrated one too many times, Josh eventually stumbles onto the wish-making machine Zoltar and uses his quarter to become "big." The next morning, Josh (now Carley) is just that - big.
The morning scene is one of the many hilarious moments in the musical. I've never owned Superman underwear, but the scene and Carley's performance makes them very comical. Another scene is the musical number "Fun," with the large piano kept in from the movie.
After being chased away by his mother (Anna Ahlborn) because she thinks he's a stranger in the house, Josh seeks Billy out for help. Until they can work out a solution, Josh must live in the big world and get a job. He lands one at MacMillan Toys, where he meets - and falls in love? - with Susan Lawrence (Kat Palardy).
As fantastic as Carley is in his role, "Big" is not a one-man show. And it's because of the amazing acting support from his co-actors that Carley is truly able to shine.
As Billy, Notardonato really gives some high energy for Carley to feed off and work with on stage. Notardonato gives such a truly entertaining and animated performance that you want to know what else has he been in, what's he doing next and how did he get so good for being so young. He projects his voice out like a professional, not like a young teen standing in front of a classroom giving a speech, so he's clear and easily understood. Notardonato and Carley have genuine chemistry on stage together.
Notardonato also works well with Grose as the younger version of Josh. Though Grose isn't on stage as Josh as much as Carley, his love for the stage clearly shows. He is excited to be there, excited to be acting and audiences warm up to his Josh so they are already warmed up to the character when Carley takes over.
This musical isn't all testosterone though, as it provides a little romantic action, too.
As Susan, who has been through more love interests than Elizabeth Taylor had husbands, Palardy lets you feel sympathy for her character as well as hope that the girl will finally land a decent man. While the ending of "Big" leaves you heartbroken for Susan, you are also left with the notion that Susan has learned to be stronger. And that sense of relationship maturity is because Palardy lets her character grow throughout the show.
Opening night Wednesday, there were some minor technical problems with some microphones. And during some of the songs sung by the kids, the words got lost in the music, but nothing major to keep audiences away. At about 2-1/2 hours long, including intermission, "Big" did seem a bit long during the second act, but it doesn't totally drain the enjoyment out of the play.
Overall, this is definitely a must-see family musical. No objectionable words. No objectionable scenes. It's high energy, has warmth and heart, and you should take your date or your entire family to see it.
My rating of the show (out of four): 3.85.
"Big, the Musical" is at the Wagon Wheel Theatre through July 14.
For ticket prices and more information, call 574-267-8041, toll free 866-823-2618, or see the Web site at www.wagonwheeltheatre.com
