YAG ready to go ‘Big’ in Alma

While many members of the Fort Smith Young Actor's Guild are small, they will be a part of something big when "Big: The Musical" makes its way to the stage of the Alma Performing Arts Center.

The musical "Big," which will run from Thursday, June 13 – Sunday, June 16, is based on the 1988 film of the same name starring Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who wishes to be grown-up and wakes up to find his wish has come true.

According to Missy Gipson, executive director of YAG, the play was a natural fit for students who are participating in the production from across the Fort Smith area.

"We chose 'Big' because we thought it was a great story," she said. "It's fun and it's a great time."

While many may be expecting the musical to follow the movie closely, Gipson said that won't necessarily be the case.

"The movie is a lot different in some ways, but a lot of the elements from the movie are in the show."

Among the elements from the movie to make it into the local production is the giant keyboard used in the touring musical, similar to the one Hanks and Robert Loggia used to perform duets of "Heart and Soul" and "Chopsticks" in New York's famed toy store, FAO Schwarz.

While it may seem like a dream for local students to participate in the production and prance around on a giant keyboard, performing does not come without a ton of hard work.

LaDarious Jamerson, a Fort Smith native and a sophomore at Henderson State University, said rehearsals were intense during the past few months, requiring many hours of rehearsal, and would only get tougher as opening night approached. During the next few days, known to the cast and crew as "tech week," students will put in as many as 32 hours of rehearsal time, he said.

"We have to perfect lights, mics, and props and make sure they're all in place in less than a week."

Jamerson, who is part of the ensemble cast, said whether it was "Les Misérables" last year or "Big" this year, whenever they get the cast, crew and set in place at Alma's PAC is always "crunch time."

Gipson said a lot of that has to do with the fact that YAG does not get consistent access to the facility due to other scheduled shows and events, which means the cast and crew must work hard to take what they have learned at off-site rehearsals and translate that into the space and constraints of the performance hall.

"It happens every year," she said. "But we don't sweat it, even though we're looking at 45 kids who do not touch anything until three days before the performance."

Auditions for the show took place in March, with casting and rehearsals beginning in April, she said. While many of the participating students are gifted musicians, singers and actors, many were challenged by the dancing that takes place in "Big," according to Gipson.

"Choreography is always the toughest part. Most of the kids are good singers, but dancing takes most of rehearsal."

Even with the challenges posed by dancing, students did not hesitate to become a part of the production, Gipson said, adding that more than 85 students auditioned for parts in the show, which she deemed "an excellent turnout."

One of those to audition was Garrettt Christiansen, a 7th grade student from Spiro, Okla., who has dreams of singing on a stage much bigger than the one he will perform on next week.

"I want to be a theater major and a music minor," said the 13-year-old, who is part of the play's kids ensemble. "And after that, I want to move to New York City and perform on Broadway."

It is the hard work and attitudes of students like Christiansen that makes Gipson continue to do what she is doing, bringing the arts to Fort Smith-area students.

"I cannot think of an opening night with Young Actors Guild where it did not meet or exceed my expectations," she said. "The students really rise to the occasion."

Tickets, Gipson said, are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12-years-old and younger for the show, which features a 13-piece orchestra comprised of local musicians led by Milwaukee-based music director Paul Helm. (Link here for show info and tickets.)

"It's so fun. I hope people come out and see it," she said.