Conejo Players ends season ‘Big’

'WHAT'S THIS?'-Young Josh, played by AJ Holmes, rehearses a scene in the play "Big" at the Conejo Players Theater in T.O. MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn

Several strong performances and lively dance numbers that include lots of smiling kids highlight the Conejo Players’ current production of "Big, the Musical," a family-oriented theater experience which began its month-long run last weekend, rounding out the theater group’s 2001 season.

The musical is based on the hit 1988 movie, "Big" (a comedy, but not a musical), which won star Tom Hanks a Golden Globe Award. The relatively new musical did play on Broadway for a short time and toured the country a few years ago. Although the story doesn’t translate very well into this musical format, Conejo Players do a good job with the material they must work with.

The story revolves around 12-year-old Josh’s wish to be a grownup. When he does become "big," he’s thrown into an adult world, for which he isn’t ready, even though he lands a job at, appropriately enough, a toy company.

Christopher Robertson is excellent as Big Josh, convincingly portraying a little boy living in a grown man’s body. Robertson superbly displays the nuances of childlike thinking and behavior, while interacting in the adult world of love and work.

Jennifer Beal also shines as Susan, Josh’s co-worker and love interest. Her singing voice is sweet and clear, as she reclaims her lost childhood feelings through her friendship with Josh.

The play is "big" indeed, with a very large cast, well staged and directed by Devery Holmes. Also of note are music director Linda Stiegler, producer Donna Holroyd and choreographer Tyler Wright.

All of the cast members—children and adults—enthusiastically sing and dance their hearts out, especially in the upbeat "Cross the Line," in which the adult executives reclaim some of their childhood impulses by dancing with the younger crowd.

Although the music and material is sometimes weak, the show still provides a good forum for thought-provoking family entertainment. If the adult audience comes away with nothing else, it would be to reclaim the lost children within themselves. For children, it provides a good fantasy time. For those who have never seen the movie, it will provide a fresh, fun theatrical experience.

"Big, the Musical," plays through Dec. 8: at p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Conejo Players Theatre is at 351 S. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. For information or reservations, call (805) 495-3715.