“Big” news! Bring the family out to Bristol Riverside Theatre and act like a kid again with Big: The Musical, on stage through April 14th. Based on the hit 1980s movie starring Tom Hanks, Big: The Musical features music by David Shire (an American songwriter and composer of stage musicals, film and television scores) with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. (who conceived and directed the only two musical revues to win the Tony for Best Musical: Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Fosse). This show’s songs are certain to get stuck in your head and the story will put a smile on your face. Big follows 12-year-old Josh Baskin who makes a wish to become a grown up through Zoltar, a carnival arcade game. When he wakes up and lands a job at a popular NYC toy company, Josh begins to question if he really wanted to be big after all.
This show is so much fun, so make a plan to go see it! Remi Tuckman who plays Young Josh, is a stage and screen actor, singer, dancer and has done voiceover work for shows like Paw Patrol and Cocomelon. What would he do if he could be “big” for a day? And why did he want to be a part of Big the Musical? Check out our interview below.
Q: For anyone unfamiliar with BIG, tell us about your role as young Josh Baskin. Who is he?
A: Josh Baskin is just a regular kid, who goes to a regular school, but finds himself in trouble when he wishes for too much. He has to adapt to this totally new experience, ultimately having to choose between two important parts of his life!
Q: Why did you want to be a part of this production?
A: The original Zoltar sequence at the end of the film was filmed right in my town, so when I got the audition I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of this. Going into it, I had no idea how much more impactful the musical is than the movie, and it is really going to be a joy to perform this story multiple times throughout the next few weeks.
Q: If you were “big” for a day, what would you do? Where would you go?
A: Well…though there are definitely multiple answers, I think because I’d be big and wouldn’t have to wait on any schedule, I’d try to pack in as many Broadway shows as I can into one day, like a movie doubleheader but on Broadway!
Q: What’s your favorite song in this musical?
A: It would definitely have to be “Cross The Line”. It’s such a fun Act One closer and a perfect song to highlight everyone in the cast. Everyone in the cast is in it too! My second favorite is “Coffee Black”. What a crazy number!
Q: What message do hope audiences take away from this story?
A: In the great words of our fabulous director, Ken Kaissar, “This show really captures time.” The show demonstrates how quickly time can move, how slow it can move, and how it can just stop. The theme makes you appreciate the moment and to not forget the little things you loved as a kid, as well as the joy you had.
Q: Is there one piece of advice you can share with any young readers who want to work on stage one day?
A: I think that no matter who you are, what you do, you should never let people’s thoughts get in your way. Go for it! Prove to yourself you can do things you didn’t think you could. Get involved, join your school play! Go out and don’t be defined by what others think, because what makes an awesome performer is not always a perfect note or talent, it’s also confidence. Believe in yourself.
Q: What activities or hobbies do you like to participate in on your days off?
A: On off days, I make sure to connect with my friends, I love hanging out with my loved ones, and most importantly get rest and enjoy the time off.
For info and tickets, visit the theatre’s website here.
Brenda on Broad 
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