Synopsis
Giant is a sweeping American musical based on Edna Ferber’s classic novel, with music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by Sybille Pearson. Set in Texas over several decades, it follows the story of wealthy rancher Jordan “Bick” Benedict and his strong-willed wife Leslie, whose marriage is tested by the changing landscape of the American Southwest. As oil transforms the land and social divisions of race, class and gender come to the surface, their family struggles to adapt to a world where old traditions collide with new ambitions. Featuring a richly varied score that blends folk, country and mariachi influences, Giant paints a powerful portrait of love, legacy and the price of progress in a rapidly evolving America.
Reviews
“It’s a long, crowded journey that “Giant” takes us on. Fortunately there are picturesque stops along the way, a few you might even call breathtaking.”
New York Times
“Praise for the performers begins with [d’Arcy] James and Baldwin, who share an instantly combustible chemistry. He transforms from a brash and optimistic young man to a sullen and wounded man in middle age with gentle grace. And his rich baritone simply glides along LaChiusa’s melodies.”
TheaterMania
“Brian d’Arcy James and Kate Baldwin are both excellent as Bick and Leslie, particularly when the composer allows his voice to grandly soar to an upper register and hers to captivate with ethereal warmth. These are two polished and professional musical theatre actors given characters, dialogue and musical moments that allow them to excel at what they do best and Giant is at its best when focused on their youthful optimism and snappy give-and-take dissolving tragically with every disappointment.”
BroadwayWorld