"Big the Musical" Brings Out the Kid in Everyone

In 1988 an up-and-coming actor named Tom Hanks took a role in a movie about a kid named Josh Baskin, who like most teenagers wanted to be older.

It was only after getting his wish to be a grown-up that Josh later realizes his life was pretty great the way it was, and he wishes to return to the days of puberty, turtling up around girls and acne.

In what is now a classic scene, Hanks and long-time actor Robert Loggia play chopsticks on a giant piano keyboard on the floor in the famous FAO Schwartz super store in New York City.

Fast forward to 2011, and imagine the thrill of getting to perform such a well-known scene in American cinema with your twin brother. That is exactly what Phoenixville seniors Liam and Mac Snead will be doing this weekend as Phoenixville Area High School presents “Big the Musical."

First produced in 1996, “Big the Musical” has never gotten the notoriety of the movie, but has had several successful national tours and features a soundtrack, which although mostly comprised of unknown tunes, is very catchy for the audience and challenging for the cast members.

“I’ve always loved the movie,” said Liam Snead. “I was very excited when I got cast as Josh. I wanted to be sure to add my own take on the role to make it my own. It was so cool to be able to do the entire play opposite my brother, but especially the piano scene. Everybody remembers that from the movie.”

Some of the musical highlights include the cast performing “Time of Your Life” and “Fun." Meanwhile, “Stars, Star, Stars “ and “I Want to Know” will captivate the audience.

When older Josh (Snead) celebrates his relationship with his love interest Susan (played by Jamie Dougherty), Snead breaks into “Coffee, Black,” which is by far the song with the most impact.

“This has been so much fun,” said Dougherty. “We have such a talented cast and working with the younger kids has been a great experience. I love the songs and Susan’s character.”

The play is based upon the 20th Century Fox motion picture and was written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg. The PAHS production is directed by Lisa Starczewski and Kate Nice, in her ninth play with the Phoenixville Area High School drama department.

The cast includes more than 50 students from the elementary and middle schools, including Eli Brown as “Young Josh.”

“Part of the reason we chose 'Big' was that people love the movie,” said Nice. “We [Lisa and I] though that audiences would be intrigued and it would bring in big crowds—no pun intended."

“The songs aren’t well known but it is a great show,” Nice said. “The upperclassmen have had a great time working with the young kids. They weren’t quite sure at first if they would like having the young kids here but it has really worked out great and they have so much energy.”

Emerald Sheay is riveting as Mrs. Baskin as she tries to get through each day with Josh’s best friend Billy (played by Joe Casiano) as her only contact with someone who knows what happened to her little boy.

It's only after Josh shows Billy their exclusive handshake that Billy gets on board and goes in search of the elusive Zoltar machine that was responsible for his best friend's aging conundrum. 

“It’s really cool to work with Liam on a level like this,” said Mac Snead (who plays the part of Mac of McMillan Toys). “My character’s name is Mac, which is ironic. We own the movie and have watched it so may times. I can’t think of a better way to finish out as a senior than doing a show like this.”

The choreography, which was created and directed by Diane Hodgkiss was breathtaking in “Fun” and “Coffee, Black” and wildly entertaining throughout the show, as the elementary and middle school cast are integrated seamlessly with the high school group.

"[Hodgkiss] has done a great job with all of the kids," added Nice. "This show has very demanding dance moves and the kids have been awesome. I can't wait until they get to feed off of the energy from the audience." 

Showtimes for “Big the Musical" are Thurs., March 24 at 7 p.m., Fri., March 25 at 7 p.m., and Sat., March 26  at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, check out the flyer. You can purchase tickets online at http://www.seatyourself.biz/pahs.