Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The thing about Miller (if you're a fan of his other music, you'll know this) is that he was the rare composer with wit. I'm not talking about Miller's lyrics; I mean the melodies. That's why his unpretentious tunes, rooted in the music of rural America, are such a perfect match for Twain: They're perky, devilish, jovial, and yet they carry an emotional and humanistic sting in their tale that gets you right where you live, especially when you're not far from Twain country. The score to “Big River” is a masterpiece, and it's always a pleasure to hear it performed."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Country music magician Roger Williams (about to turn 86) devised a glorious, roots-deep score for this show, whose book is by William Hauptman. His music and lyrics naturally feed on bluegrass and blues, hymns, gospel and even a crazy bit of syncopated jazz and vaudeville. And in director P. Marston Sullivan's invariably zesty but understated production, the young performers at BoHo (now winningly ensonced as a resident company in the handsome new "multiplex," Theater Wit) have tuned themselves to the sound, frequently picking up a guitar, fiddle, squeezebox or washboard to accompany themselves, while moving in and out of the onstage band. The fine musical direction is the work of Nicholas Davio (who plays guitar, banjo, harmonica and percussion), with Hilary Holbrook on fiddle and Cam McIntyre on upright bass."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Under Peter Marston Sullivan's skillful direction, Andrew Mueller and Brian-Alwyn Newland establish a rapport that intensifies Twain's tale of a white orphan and a runaway slave rafting down the Mississippi. And the down-home feel of Miller's songs is enhanced by the fact that the cast members accompany themselves on guitar, banjo, fiddle, and washboard."
Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended
"...The music itself, written in country and bluegrass style, unfortunately fails to capture the soul of those genres. The songs are pleasant enough but ultimately forgettable. All this is not to say there isn't considerable talent in this cast and crew. Andrew Mueller makes for a very likable and charming Huck, and Brian Alwyn-Newland does an admirable job with the inherently problematic role of Jim."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...Director P. Marston Sullivan has gathered a completely captivating ensemble that brings the reality of this classic tale to life with enthralling effect. Song after incredible song and scene after compelling scene, you fall in love with this fantastic show. Sullivan delivers all of the drama and humor of the story, the cast hits all of the right musical and theatrical notes and BoHo creates a splendidly entertaining production that is quite simply good for the soul. DO NOT MISS this rare and wonderful treasure!"
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The production also boasts some fine, sincere and beautifully sung performances. Sean Thomas steals scenes as the charlatanic self-proclaimed King and, especially, as Huck’s violent, government-hating father, a kind of proto–tea partyer. Brian-Alwyn Newland gives Jim an affecting and potent sense of yearning. And, best of all, Andrew Mueller (who has a heart-meltingly sweet voice in the James Taylor mold) plays Huck with more tenderness than we usually see in the role, bringing true anguish to the story’s central conflict—between what society says is right and wrong and what actually is."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Big River has the elements of a heart-felt American down-home musical – terrific songs, a fine band, a wonderful ensemble of talents equally adapt at acting, comedy, singing and musicianship. This is a ‘feel-good,’ yet sophisticated musical that is family-friendly entertainment. Andrew Mueller, John B. Leen and Sean Thomas anchor the work. Your journey down the Big River navigates right into your soul. I’m still humming “Waitin’ for the Light to Shine.” Big River is a ‘must-see.’"
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...The twelve performers may be few in numbers, but mighty in talent and versatility. John B. Leen and Sean Thomas offer deft and colorful support as a couple of riverside con men, among others. These characters are almost like pieces in an American patchwork quilt, all lovingly sewn together by Director P. Marston Sullivan's fertile and thrifty imagination. What could be better on the 9th anniversary of 9/11 than Twain's inspiring tale of interracial friendship and harmony? "Big River" once again confirms BoHo as one of Chicago's finest non-Equity companies, whose vision and talents should serve as a model to others. Life on a raft can indeed be a beautiful thing, and in BoHo's production it is a journey well worth taking. "
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...The show is full of adventure for young Huck ( a powerful performance by Andrew Mueller) and the Slave Jim ( deftly handled by Brian-Alwyn Newland) as they travel down the mighty Mississippi searching for Jim’s freedom. Along the way, they encounter two con-men who lead them where they do not want to go, but Huck, in order to protect his friend goes along with these men as he fears that they will sell Jim as a slave and he will never get North so he can save money and come back and buy his family out of slavery. The ending is as we all know one where they all live happily ever after ( except for the con-men played witha delicious fervor by John B. Leen and Sean Thomas, who both play other roles as well). Tom Sawyer is handled by Courteny Crouse, who also plays a myriad of other roles and I for one was quite impressed with his down home characters and his relaxed natural ability to portray the, Prior to this show, I have found him a bit “stiff” on stage- he has matured nicely)."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Director P. Marston Sullivan’s deceptively simple staging and Anders Jacobson and Judy Radovsky’s stylized set put the talented cast and Twain’s potent story foremost. You don’t need to have read "Huckleberry Finn" to enjoy this musical, although everybody ought to read it … again and again."
