‘Big River’ Debuts on Broadway 28 Years Ago Today

Big River, the musical by William Hauptman, with music and lyrics by Country legend Roger Miller, made its Broadway debut 28 years ago today [April 25, 1985]. Its Broadway run lasted for over 1,000 performances, making it one of the most successful American musicals.

Big River is the musical adaptation of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn." During its initial run, "Big River" won the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Scenic Design, and Best Lighting Design. It also won the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics, Outstanding Orchestrations, Outstanding Set Design, Outstanding Lighting Design, and Outstanding Costume Design.

Big River is currently playing at Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City, and at Casa Manana in Fort Worth, Texas.