Billy Kopecki, left (played by John Kinney), tries to buck up his friend, Josh Baskin (played by Jarrod Zimmerman), as Baskin realizes his life just got very complicated now that his wish has come true and he's suddenly become "big." "Big: the Musical," based on the hit 1987 film starring Tom Hanks, opens Saturday, July 12, at the Arrow Rock Lyceum theater. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

What would you do if your own mother didn't recognize you? 

When young Josh Baskin wishes he were "big," and a mysterious carnival kiosk grants his wish, his life suddenly takes a turn he did not expect.

"Big: the Musical" follows the adventures of Baskin after he changes, overnight, from a kid to a grown-up.

When his own mother doesn't recognize him, he realizes the things he has taken for granted -- including basics like food and shelter -- may be hard to come by. He has to strike out on his own and try to find a way to reverse his wish and become a kid again.

In the process, he learns a great deal about the world of grown-ups and helps some of the grown-ups he encounters learn a few things, too.

Director David Hemsley Caldwell observes in his director's notes for the show that the 1980s saw a number of films with similar scenerios, adults and children changing places.

"It would seem that a common lesson in these modern day fables is the fact that you must experience your own progression in order for ti (to) make some sort of sense," he said.

The cast includes a number of young actors from the mid-Missouri area, including Jordan and Kieran Brennan and Mason McCloud from Marshall.

The Brennan brothers are joined on the stage by their father, Michael Brennan.

Show times for "Big: the Musical" are

--Saturday, July 12, 2 -- 4:30 p.m. and 8 -- 10:30 p.m.

--Sunday, July 13, 2 -- 4:30 p.m.

--Wednesday, July 16, 2 -- 4:30 p.m. and 8 -- 10:30 p.m. (includes "talk back" session following the evening show)

--Thursday, July 17, 2 -- 4:30 p.m.

--Friday, July 18, 8 -- 10:30 p.m.

--Saturday, July 19, 2 -- 4:30 p.m. and 8 -- 10:30 p.m.

--Sunday, July 13, 2 -- 4:30 p.m.

Book by John Weidman, music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, based on the motion picture "Big," written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg.

To order tickets, visit http://www.lyceumtheatre.org/tickets.php... or call the box office at 660-837-3311.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net