Overview
Synopsis
Josh Baskin is a youngster on the brink of adolescence and suffering from all the awkward teenage anxiety that comes with it. Frustrated at still being made to feel “little”, he makes a wish to a Zoltar machine at the carnival to become "big”. When Josh wakes up the next morning, he is astounded to discover that his wish has been granted--he now has the body of a 30 year old man. After an awkward beginning, Josh realizes that he is now required to do "adult" things, like getting a job and a girlfriend. He soon grows in confidence and maturity, and briefly considers not returning to his childhood body. However, he ultimately discovers that there's much more to being an adult than he bargained for and learns that we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time.
Based on the 1987 smash-hit film and complete with a giant floor piano, this is a fun-filled musical for all the family.
Show Information
- Book
- John Weidman
- Music
- David Shire
- Lyrics
- Richard Maltby, Jr.
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Big (1987 film)
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1996
- Genres
- Fairy Tale/Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- New Jersey, New York City
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Early Teen, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
Songs
Act One
- Come On Baby - Josh Baskin, Billy Kopecki
- Talk to Her - Josh Baskin
- Say Good Morning To Mom - Mrs. Baskin
- I Want to Go Home - Josh Baskin
- Big Boys - Billy Kopecki
- Time Of Your Life - Mr. Macmillan, Josh
- Welcome To MacMillan Toys - Ensemble
- My Secretary's In Love - Susan Lawrence
- Big Boys [Reprise] - Josh Baskin, Billy Kopecki
- Office Politics - Susan Lawrence
- Do You Want To Play Games? - Josh Baskin
- Stars, Stars, Stars - Josh Baskin, Susan Lawrence
- Cross The Line - Josh Baskin, Ensemble
Act Two
- Stop, Time - Mrs. Baskin
- The Nightmare - Josh Baskin
- Dancing All The Time - Susan Lawrence
- I Want To Know - Josh Baskin
- Coffee, Black - Josh Baskin
- The Real Thing - Susan Lawrence, Ensemble
- Neighborhood Ballet - Ensemble
- When You’re Big - Josh Baskin
- We're Gonna Be Fine - Josh Baskin, Susan Lawrence
Note: This song list reflects the current licensed version of the show, which is based on the revamped US tour rather than the Broadway show.
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher