Drama club to stage 'Big, the Musical' this weekend

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Drama Club, under the direction of Gary Scarpa, will present "Big, the Musical," today through Saturday in the Shelton High School Auditorium.
"Big" tells the story of 12-year old Josh Baskin, who, after being told he is too short for a carnival ride while attempting to impress an older girl, goes to a wishing machine called “Zoltar Speaks”, and wishes that he was "big."
When he wakes up in the morning, he finds that his wish has been granted.

The 1988 hit film was directed by Penny Marshall and starred Tom Hanks. It was made into a Broadway musical in 1996, with a score my David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, and a book by John Weidman.
Playing Josh Baskin, the main character, is Shelton High School junior Stavros Koumbaros. Other central characters are Kyle English as Susan Lawrence, Kelsey Sullivan as Mrs. Baskin, Michael Tartaglia as Billy Kopecki, Alessandro Maione as Paul Seymour, Tom Ball as Mr. MacMillan, Ellie Desautels as Young Josh, Anna Shannon as Miss Watson, and Elise Sullivan as Cynthia Benson.

The show features a cast of 48 talented high school students who have been rehearsing for seven weeks.

Assisting Scarpa with the production are his daughter Mia Scarpa, who is the choreographer, and Drama Club advisors Joe Sedlock and Dan Nazzaro. They serve as producers.

“I really liked the film when I saw it,” Mia Scarpa said “and when it was made into a Broadway musical, I completely fell in love with the show. So much so that I saw it four times.”

Koumbaros said, “I am so excited to be playing Josh Baskin. I’m especially enjoying the scene where I get to dance on a giant piano that lights up!”

Gary Scarpa said, “I can’t say enough about our great cast. Their talent and dedication is awesome, and I encourage everyone in the community to come to the show and see high school students at their best!”
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. today, and at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday as well.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. They may be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com or by calling Center Stage Theatre, 203-225-6079. All seating is reserved.

The above release was provided by Carla Sullivan of Shelton.