Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           985-549-2341/fax 985-549-2061
    Date: 03/15/02
      Contact:                           Angey Saucier 25A


Editors: Photo accompanies release
COLUMBIA THEATRE PRESENTS "BIG RIVER" APRIL 5
     HAMMOND   Southeastern Louisiana University's Columbia Theatre for the
Performing Arts will present the seven-time Tony-award winning country musical "Big River:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" at 7:30 p.m. April 5. 
     Based on Mark Twain's classic, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," "Big River" has
taken audiences on a whirlwind journey down the mighty Mississippi River since 1985 in a tale
of the eternal search for freedom and adventure since 1985. Written by legendary country song
writer Roger Miller, the 1840s Deep South tale is brought to life with his 17 songs of ragtime,
blues, gospel, soul, folk and country.
     The New York Post called "Big River" "the most hopeful, happy and impressive thing to
happen to the American musical for many a year!"
     "Big River" follows the tale of one of Twain's most irresistible characters, the
irrepressible Huck, played by Jason Shipman. Huck lives in the God-fearing home of the Widow
Douglas (Mary-Anne Trippet) and her sister, Miss Watson (Shannon Darin). Huck is anything
but cooperative with attempts to civilize him. He would rather sneak out at night for secret
meetings with pal Tom Sawyer (Scott Harrison) and his gang of boys with whom he can smoke
his pipe and cuss, and plan many adventures out West.
     Restless and hankering for something more, Huck fakes his own death to escape from
both civilization and his greedy alcoholic father, the sinister Pap Finn (Bob Skidmore). He joins
Miss Watson's slave, Jim (Trevor Nicholas), who is heading down-river in search of his family
and freedom. Rafting down the Mississippi, Huck and Jim form a powerful friendship that is
strengthened by their adventures, but threatened by Huck's own confused conscience and
prejudices.
                             (MORE)
Columbia Theatre Presents "Big River" April 5   add one
     The journey of "Big River" is hilarious, suspenseful, heartwarming and one of
considerable trouble and considerable joy. The show  was the big winner of numerous Tony
Awards in 1985, including musical of the year, best score, best book, best direction, outstanding
scenic design, best lighting and best featured actor in a musical.
     Tickets for the performance at the Columbia are available at the theater box office, 314 E.
Thomas Street, 985-543-4371, from noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and can be ordered online
through TicketWeb at www.ticketweb.com. For more information, call the Columbia office at
985-549-2333.

                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/news/spring02.html