“Big River” is a musical adaptation of the classic Mark Twain story, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” opening July 11 at the Emmett Hook Center at First United Methodist Church in Shreveport.

The adaptation deals with the adventures of Huck and his pal Tom who have found a treasure and are now rich. Huck is faced with the prospect of staying with the Widow Watson, who has been taking care of him because his Pap is a violent drunk, or striking out to find his fame and fortune away from tiny St. Petersburg, Mo. In true Twain fashion, Huck runs away after faking his own death. He throws in with a runaway slave named Jim and, as fate would have it, the concerned citizens of St. Pete’s put two and two together and decide it was Jim who murdered Huck.

The two fugitives are now committed to heading down the river and finding freedom for themselves. The music and lyrics are by Roger Miller of folk music fame and the book is by William Hauptman, who won two Tony Awards for the work.

Nolan Budgewater III is creating the role of Jim in the local production directed by Richard King with musical direction by Reuben Reyes. Budgewater is no stranger to the local stage having just completed “Ragtime” for Stage Center. His other roles on stage include “Godspell,” “Tarzan,” “The Producers” and “Civil War.”

Budgewater said playing Jim is a chance of his lifetime. “To play Jim to me is huge because I feel like I get the opportunity to portray a character that connects to my culture, connects to my history, and maybe even the struggle of my ancestors. So just that connection alone is overwhelming and exciting.”

Asked if the story of pre-Civil War slavery and attitudes still has a meaning for modern audiences, Budgewater said he believes it does. “I think it’s a bigger picture than just slavery or let’s go on an adventure,” he said. He said both Jim and Huck are facing personal struggles, Huck to find himself and Jim to find the freedom he so desperately wants.

“It’s more than just history or a history lesson. I feel like it’s a tangible message evoking really strong emotions. It’s saying, I have a problem, you have a problem, but if we can work together we can overcome.”

Bringing the message to the audience is one of his passions, but Budgewater is quick to admit he really loves Miller’s music. “I absolutely love all the songs that Jim has. I fell in love with the music singing the medley with the Centenary College Choir. We did Big River my junior year. I fell in love with the show and Jim’s character,” he said. “I think he has the best songs in the show and I connect to all of those songs.”

When he’s not on stage, Budgewater is teaching music at Youree Drive Middle School. Right now, he’s planning for next school year and getting ready for a return to national competition for his students. In the meantime, he’s busy learning music, studying blocking and learning dialog.

“This is bigger than me. I want to grow as an actor and so I’m excited about taking on the role,” Budgewater said. “The biggest challenge is going to be Jim’s language and how he talks. To the point where the audience actually understands what you’re saying. When you read the lines, you’re like, wait, what? But then how you say it will determine whether the audience understands what you’re saying.” 

Cabaret Dinner Theatre 

Cabaret Dinner Theatre will celebrate Independence Day with a trip to the mythical trip to the third smallest town in Texas, Tuna, for “Red, White, and Tuna.” The show is the third in the series written by the trip of Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard about the misadventures and fractured foibles of the denizens of Tuna, all played by only two actors. The Cabaret production features Rick Stovall and Ken Murphy, who were also seen in last November’s “A Tuna Christmas.”

The community dinner theater is located at 1258 Dalzell in Shreveport. The production will feature a barbecue-themed menu catered by The Derrick. Tickets are $30 each for dinner and the show. Reservations are required. Call the box office at 560-5662.