| The Little Big Things - the recent hit London musical | |
| Posted by: claploudly (michaelsongbook@gmail.com) 02:30 pm EDT 05/13/24 | |
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| I really wonder why this so inspired and inspiring hit musical from London's National Theatre hasn't made it to Broadway or one of our more daring regional theatres. It is based on the true story of a British teenager, Henry Fraser, who becomes a paraplegic due to a swimming/diving accident off the coast of Portugal. Mr. Fraser's book of the same name was a best-selling memoir. His role is played by two different wonderful actors, one who can walk as the Henry before the accident, and one by an actor himself a paraplegic representing the post-accident Henry. They have endearing conversations and songs with each other in the musical. There are three other performers who are in wheel chairs and one with only one arm, including Amy Trigg who just won and Olivier Award for her performance. Among the other great will-known actors in this musical are Linzi Hateley as Henry's mother, Fran Fraser. You can view this show on the National Theatre's website where you can see so many other great West End shows including "Angels in America" starring Nathan Lane as Roy Cohn and the very best Prior imaginable - Andrew Garfield. Granted the set, projections, casting, and staging would present a challenge to a theatre, but if they can rebuild other theatres for "Here's Love" and the new "Cabaret," and so many other shows, why not for this endearing, marvelous AND IMPORTANT London hit musical. I realize the score doesn't contain any "hit songs" which could become popular standards, but what new musical in recent years has been able to achieve that? Still this score serves the plot in an authentic, melodious, and supportive way. Finally, isn't it time we can make an effort to present shows with an opportunity for handicapped actors to work on our stages (like we did for Ali Stroker in Oklahoma), especially for characters whose real life people are handicapped? I hope some brave producers or regional theatres' artistic directors read this. Pass it along please. (I hope the link I provided below works, if not, Google this musical, and find it. You will thank me.) One final note to address those of you inclined to bring up finances. There are certainly many genuine ways available from foundations and yes, even corporations and private individuals, whose mission is to provide support for disabled people (yes, including actors). They would and should be willing to support and help bring to life productions of this important and necessary musical. |
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| Link | Soho Place Theatre's "The Little Big Things" |
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