Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

WESTCHESTER, NY – A gala evening was had by all at the ‘official’ opening night performance of ‘Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ at the Westchester Broadway Theatre on Friday evening, February 3.

The evening started off with the management and staff of the WBT giving a fond farewell and salute to its Executive Chef Tony Dinis who has been with the WBT since the theatre first opened its doors in July of 1974.

Kicking off the start of Black History Month, and the impact that this powerfully packed, emotionally filled musical tells, News 12 anchor Brian Conybeare took to the microphone and invited on stage a host of dignitaries to honor the event.  Among the dignitaries who appeared on stage were Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, County Legislator Alfreda Williams, NYS Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner and Yonkers City Councilman Michael Sabatino.  We also spotted, sitting in the audience, former NYS Lieutenant Governor Alfred B. DelBello. The County Executive gave a proclamation to the theater, acknowledging what the theater has brought to Westchester and the surrounding area for the past 37 years, and wishing it continued success in the future in its quest to give quality, affordable live entertainment to it audiences.

NYS Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins predicted that the performers the audience was going to see this evening were headed for Broadway one day, as their talent and commitment shines through in their unique gifts they give to the stage.  Speaking on the theme of ‘Big River,’ Cousins said that the relationship of Huck and Jim transcended the time of prejudice and ignorance.  It was a time when Black America was on their quest to freedom.  Thankfully, this country, has evolved over the past 170 + years, where acceptance of diversity is celebrated.  The musical, in their powerful message, tells this story.  Cousins gave a special ‘shout out’ to the production’s two stars, Yonkers native Anthony Malchar, who plays Huck Finn, and to Elmsford native FaTye, who portrays Jim, saying the county was fortunate to have such fine examples of ‘home grown talent.’

In its original incarnation on Broadway, ‘Big River’ ran for 1,005 performances from 1985 – 1987.  It was the recipient of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (William Hauptmann) and Best Original Score (Roger Miller).  The show was also honored with seven Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (René Auberjonois).

This production is produced by Family Theatre Company under the loving guidance of its executive producers John and Nannette Fanelli and co-producers Mennie and Shelly Mallah.  Mr. Fanelli serves, simultaneously, as the show’s director, as he brings to life the unforgettable residents of Hannibal, Missouri.

The legendary creator of the 1884 book, Mark Twain (Sam Sultan),  appears on stage and introduces us to the characters from his classic novel.  Instantly, the audience is transported back into time, to the year 1840.  Huck Finn is lovingly placed in the care of the Widow Douglas (Chris Jamison) after Huck’s scalawag of a no good father (Tom Ammirato) walks out on him.  Huck yearns for a life of adventure, and spurns the advice of his guardian to adhere to his education and follow the teachings of the good book in the show’s opening number ‘Do Ya Wanna Go to Heaven?’

Huck is befriended by Jim, after he escapes from the Widow Douglas,  Reading Huck’s lifeline on the palm of his hand, Jim predicts that the young man is, indeed, headed for a lifetime of adventure, but there will be trouble for him, every step of the way.  At that point, the two board a make-shift raft and set sail on the mighty Mississippi.

The musical numbers were outstanding.  They ranged the gamut from  country to gospel music.  We were utterly amazed at the special effects as we saw the misty nighttime fog of the river envelop the entire stage.  We laughed hysterically at the riotous antics of the con artists ‘King’ (Augie Abatecola) and ‘Duke’ (Joey Sanzaro) as they performed their traveling Medicine Show.  Their slapstick comedy evoked memories of the legendary Laurel and Hardy comedy team of the 1930s and 40s.

Our biggest kudos must go to the show’s two leading actors.  We are told that they are only 24 years old, and each had their own unique journey to get to the stage they now share.  Before the show, we had the occasion to speak with Mrs. Gail Apfel, who mentored FaTye at the Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry.  Mrs. Apfel was beaming with pride and could not say enough about this talented young artist.

I heartily recommend that you make the short trek over the Tappan Zee Bridge and the majestic Hudson River to see this finely crafted production of ‘Big River.’  The show has a limited engagement and will run until February 26.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.BroadwayTheatre.com or by calling (914)-592-2222.

My warmest congratulations go to the Westchester Broadway Theatre for putting on such a unique show as we all honor Black History Month.