Raytown High School’s Departments of Theatre and Music will present “Big River” Feb. 21-23, 2019.

“Big River” is a musical based on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain with music from Roger Miller. The story follows a boy by the name of Huckleberry Finn and his friend, a runaway slave named Jim, as the two embark on a journey to get Jim to the free North. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters. The musical will be presented in the round with the audience seated onstage.

The show will run Feb. 21-23, 2019. The Feb. 21 show will begin at 6 p.m. and will include dinner as part of a collaboration with the Raytown High School Black Student Union in celebration of Black History Month. The show will also run Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Raytown High School Auditorium.

“I am really excited about the uniqueness of our production of Big River and hope we entertain while also inspiring connections to current events,” said Raytown High theater teacher Katie Kolster. “Just as Huck learns that he should listen to his heart instead of what society tells him is right, we hope audiences will walk away pondering difficult choices we all face in regards to friendship and open-mindedness.”

The principal cast includes Joshua McCarroll as Huckleberry Finn, Kaleb Clemmons as Jim, Emma Hill as Mary Jane, Justin Wood as Pap and King, Kyle Baker as Duke and Doctor, Judson Hulme as Tom Sawyer, Amber Johnson as Widow Douglas, Karlee Etter as Miss Watson, Sereena Burton as Alice, and Pietro Baldassin as Mark Twain and Harvey Wilkes.

Other cast members include Naomi Gonterman, James Degraffenreid, Micah Cotton, Destiny Tillman, Shiloh Enyard, Jack McClung, Ben Baker, Jason Meyer, Jujuan Ferrara, Taaj Yarbrough, Tariq Yarbrough, Kamryn Etter, Jessica Johnson, Marissa Jones, Carlyn Carpenter, Aiden Harkins, Raeyonna Craig, and Mesmariah Hall.

The crew is led by technical director Mr. Greg Chafin, stage managers Keely McLouth, Jordyn Hill, and Amara Smith; and assistant directors Arrena Flores and Kylie Butler. Designers include Cheyli Ferbet, scenic design, Emma Hill and Kamryn Etter, choreography, Ms. Sally Farrand and Carter Bryant, lighting; Karlee Etter, sound; Rachel McCarroll and Tuesday Scanlon, costumes; Marissa Jones, props; Shelby Ranck, business/publicity; and Jack McClung and Laci Moore, hair/makeup.

The Raytown High Theatre Department is under the direction of Katie Kolster. The Raytown High Vocal Music program is under the direction of Alex Kolster.

Tickets are on sale now and seating is limited. All tickets for the dinner show on Feb. 21 are $10. Tickets for the shows on Feb. 22-23 are $5 for students and $7 for adult tickets in advance and $8 at the door. You can purchase tickets online by going to www.showtix4u.com and searching Raytown. If you have any questions, please contact kathleen.kolster@raytownschools.org.

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