‘Big’ Characters
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‘Big’ Characters

“Anything the kids are doin’ it’ll be ok, ‘cause tonight’s the night [to] cross the line [don’t] sit still on the side, there’s a door open wide;” so grab that “invitation to the party” and head over to Chantilly High School for their jovial production of “BIG, the Musical.”

Based off the 1987 box-office smash starring Tom Hanks, “BIG the Musical,” first appeared on Broadway in 1996. It follows the twisted and hilarious storyline of a 13-year-old boy thrust into an adult world. He experiences all the best parts of being a grown up; from careers to relationships, after his wish “to be BIG” remarkably comes true overnight.

Jake Ashey, a senior, and Andrew Dugan, a sophomore, play “grown-up” Josh Baskin and young Josh respectively. Coincidentally, they both had practice playing young and old versions of each other as Patrick Dennis, in Chantilly’s spring Cappie award-winning production of “Auntie Mame.” Playing the same person tends to be a challenge because each actor has a different approach to their personal techniques and character development. When asked what it was like to play the same person, Dugan stated “it’s déjà vu. The only challenging thing is to come up with the right character that’s believable to the audience and to the director.”

As far as romantic relationships are concerned, sophisticated Susan Lawrence, senior Meghan Griffith, learns a thing or two from this 13-year-old grown-up. She rediscovers her “inner child” and the true meaning of love and having fun. Although this is Griffith’s first production on Chantilly’s stage, she comments “even though everyone already knows each other, they’ve been extremely nice. I decided that since it’s my senior year, it was time to finally join in on the fun, but I’m really excited and hope to live up to the privilege of playing Susan.”

“Big, the Musical” is sure to be show-stopping, dancing-in-the-aisles “fun” for the whole family. Children will love the bright colors, life-size toys and fun dance numbers that are truly vibrant and energetic. Parents can relate to what it’s like to be constantly knocked around by the superficiality of the corporate world, and never experience a moment of true “Fun.”

This heartfelt, humorous musical is a sure delight that teaches everyone to enjoy every moment now and grow up at their own pace, no matter what age. Chantilly’s “Big, the Musical” is an unforgettable performance, as it takes the audience along for the ride of a lifetime to discover their utmost “inner child.” The best “Time of Your Life” is appearing Nov. 8 through 11.