"BIG" MUSICAL TO BE PRESENTED IN JULY at Monmouth University

Shadow Lawn Stage, the professional theatre of Monmouth University, will open its production of “Big, the Musical,” on July 8. Based on the hit film that starred Tom Hanks as the young boy who wanted to grow up fast and become “big”, this “ideal family musical” (USA Today) will run through July 25 at Woods Theatre on the Monmouth University campus.

“Big” was nominated for five Tony Awards and was the winner of Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Musical, as well as for its music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. (composers of “Baby” and “Closer Than Ever”). The enchanting book by John Wiedman (“Assassins”; “Pacific Overtures”) was adapted from the 1987 hit film fantasy by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg. In it, Josh, a typical teen, discovers the confusing and contradictory adult world of business and romance when his wish comes true. The New York Times said “it gives you the helium high of a balloon flight...it worked as a movie. It works as a show.”

Shadow Lawn is a professional Equity theatre that has been at Monmouth University since 2006. Equity members include the production stage manager Ernie Fimbres, assisted by Bethel Keith. Equity actors include Bradley Mott as George MacMillan, the owner of the toy company that young Josh inspires; Donata Cucinotta as Susan, the young woman attracted to the grown-up Josh; and Kevin Cheatham, who will be featured as Zoltar and several other ensemble roles.

Directed by Monmouth University faculty member Jack Burke, other members of the cast are: Jacob Canderozzi of Jackson as Billy; Jack Cregg of Tinton Falls and Josiah Jacoby of Egg Harbor sharing the role of young Josh; Caroline Meade of Staten Island and Gabby Scerbo of Little Silver sharing the role of Cynthia, the teen girl that young Josh likes. Professional actors David Discenza, Cassandra Hohn, and Sean Tivenan play Paul Seymour, Mrs. Baskin, and “big” Josh respectively.

Other members of the ensemble include Kayla DeRosa of Farmingdale, Alyssa Finnegan of Middletown, Jessica Hamilton of Tinton Falls, Joey Maher of Middletown, Christine Mitchell of West Long Branch, Sean Molicki of Middletown, Megan Moran of Neptune City, Kirstianna Mueller of Easton, Pa., Rudy Palma of South Amboy, and Gabrielle Weaver of Long Branch.
The stage crew are Monmouth University students: Sarah Eldrissi of Aberdeen, Bethany Hintze of Middletown, Molly Huber of Mays Landing, Mahalia Jackson of Hackensack, Chloe Meyer of West Long Branch, and Megan Roberts from Linden.

Choreography is by Chelsea Amoroso of Oceanport. She also will play a few roles in the ensemble. Music is directed by Zack Ryan of New York, assisted by Monmouth University student Evan Kudisch. The set is designed by faculty member Fred DelGuercio and lights are by David Landau, from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

“Big, the Musical” will run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with matinees on Fridays at 3 p.m., July 8 – July 25. Tickets run from $10 for students to $35 for standard admissions. For ticket information, call 732-263-6889 or go to www.monmouth.edu/arts. All performances take place in the historic Lauren K. Woods Theatre, at the junction of Cedar and Norwood Avenues in Long Branch.