The Florence Little Theatre (FLT) will take audience members down the Mississippi River on Sept. 17-25 when the cast and crew members of “Big River” will be performing an adaptation of Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn.”

Kristen Kiely, assistant professor of Spanish at Francis Marion, has a role in the play titled “Strange Woman.” Kiely said the play is family friendly, yet entertaining for audiences of all ages. According to Kiely, the play is well worth the price of a ticket – $25, or $18 with student discount.

“There are a TON of laughs, many provided by Professor Glen Gourley as the Duke and some from my scene where I am “Strange Woman” and Huck visits me in drag!” Kiely said.

“The one reason why everyone should come and see “Big River” is because the cast is absolutely amazing,” Kiely said. “Courtney Dease (Huck) and Leon Rogers (Jim) have mind-blowing talent and impress the cast and crew every night. They both have incredible voices and play their parts beautifully. And when they sing together, it’s breathtaking. I get chills every time they have a duet (or a trio with Chrissy Weatherford Fennel as Mary Jane).”

Bekah Fazio, a cast member in the chorus line, said “Big River” is interesting because it provides a new and different view of the timeless story we all know.
“It’s been amazing working with everybody in the production,” Fazio said. “Robin [Thompson] is a great director and it has really come together. I like that it’s more of an old time play so the costumes are super fun. People should come and see it because when you read the book it’s from someone else’s perspective, but the play is from Huckleberry’s perspective.”

“Big River,” written by William Hauptman, will be directed by Robin Thompson and is underwritten by Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company. Ticket information can be found at www.florenceweb.com/flt/showtimes.htm by calling the FLT Box Office at (843) 662-3731 during normal business hours.