Fairfield University to stage ‘Big River: In Concert’ for America250 celebration

Fairfield University will present a staged musical concert of “Big River” on April 17 and 18, a collaborative production serving as part of the university’s America250 celebrations.

The performances, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, bring together the Fairfield University Theatre Program, the Fairfield University Glee Club, and the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra. The production features a cast of professional Actors’ Equity performers alongside nearly 90 student singers.

Based on Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” the musical follows the journey of Huck Finn and Jim as they escape toward freedom along the Mississippi River. The concert format integrates professional Broadway and national tour actors into a real-world performance environment for students.

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The featured cast includes professional performers Ethan G. Davis, Justin Michael Duval (“Girl From the North Country”), Alexander Ferguson (“Hamilton”), Devin Johnson (“Oliver!”), Olivia London (“Waitress”), Tony Perry (“74 Georgia Ave.”), and Ren Thompson (“Little Shop of Horrors”).

Fairfield University students Katharine Gutkoski, David Ilagan, and Caroline Sullivan will also appear in featured roles.

The creative team is led by director Sean F. Edgecomb and music director Michael A. Ciavaglia. The production includes choreography by Rae Janeil and intimacy direction by Jamie Monahan.

The Fairfield University Theatre Program, which integrates professional training with social engagement, announced that a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Golden Hill Paugussett Indian Nation in Trumbull, Connecticut.

The Fairfield University Glee Club, the parent organization of the student ensemble performing in the concert, has been active since 1947 and has previously appeared at Carnegie Hall and the Vatican.

Tickets and additional event details are available through the Quick Center for the Arts at fairfield.edu/quickcenter.

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April events at Fairfield Theatre Company

4/16 – Leo Kottke
4/17 – Bad Animals
4/17 – Ryan Montableu Band
4/18 – Anders Osborne
4/19 – The Queens Meet The Kings
4/21 – Davy Knowles
4/22 – Afternoon of Jazz
4/23 – Bob Margolis Blues Band
4/24 – Save Ferris
4/25 -Alison Brown
4/26 – Thee Sinsters & The Altons
4/30 – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes

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April events at PeoplesBank Arena

4/17 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
4/18 – Romeo Santos & Prince Royce, click here to purchase tickets
4/23 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets
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4/26 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets

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Fairfield University to stage ‘Big River: In Concert’ for America250 celebration