Considering that Huckleberry Finn is a serious contender for the title of Great American Novel (its a lot funnier than Moby Dick), its surprising that it took so long for a musical-theater adaptation. When it finally came (in 1985), the producers of Big River made an inspired choice for their composerRoger Miller. Millers goofy country-folk hits like King of the Road, England Swings, and You Cant Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd, accompanied by his twangy voice and gee-tar, often obscured his considerable skill as a serious songwriter. Indeed, Miller seemed almost as surprised as his critics when Big River garnered six Tony awards (including book, score, and musical), quite a feat for a guy who habitually wrote his lyrics on cigarette paper. Taproots Karen Lund directs this revival, with Taproot regulars Jeff Berryman, Jenny Cross, and Edd Key aboard. If its anywhere near as successful as the usual summertime musical diversions at Taproot, Greenwoods going to have an oddly Southern air for the next few weeks. [See Kevin Phinney’s review here.] 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat. Extended through August 23. JOHN LONGENBAUGH Wednesdays, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 & 8 p.m. Starts: July 9. Continues through Aug. 23, 2008
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