Fairfield University will present Big River: In Concert, a staged musical concert celebrating America250, in collaboration with the Fairfield University Theatre Program, Fairfield University Glee Club, the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, and the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, featuring Equity professional actors.
Performances will take place April 17–18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield, Connecticut.
What is Big River: In Concert?
Based on Mark Twain’s beloved novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and set along the mighty Mississippi, Big River: In Concert follows the daring journey of Huck Finn and his friend Jim, as they escape into freedom. This staged concert brings together nearly 90 Fairfield University student singers, professional Broadway and national tour actors, and a full symphonic orchestra.
America250 Performing Arts Celebration
This production is part of Fairfield University’s contribution to America250 celebrations, highlighting American storytelling through music, theatre, and education. The collaboration provides students with a professional-level theatre experience, pairing them with Broadway and Equity actors in a real-world performance environment.
Featured Cast and Broadway Performers
The production features Equity and professional performers including:
- Ethan G. Davis
- Justin Michael Duval (Girl From the North Country, Dreamgirls)
- Alexander Ferguson (Hamilton - Broadway/Tour/Australia)
- Devin Johnson (Oliver! - Paper Mill Playhouse)
- Olivia London (Waitress - national tour)
- Tony Perry (74 Georgia Ave., Repo: The Genetic Opera)
- Ren Thompson (Little Shop of Horrors - Off-Broadway)
Fairfield University students in featured roles include:
- Katharine Gutkoski ’26
- David Ilagan ’27
- Caroline Sullivan ’29
Creative Team
- Director: Sean F. Edgecomb, PhD
- Music Director / Conductor: Michael A. Ciavaglia ’04, DMA
- Choreographer: Rae Janeil
- Costume Design: Julie Leavitt Learson
- Lighting Design: Jessie Lizotte ’18
- Intimacy Direction: Jamie Monahan
- Scenic Design: Lynne Porter
- Sound Design: Christopher Varanko
- Stage Management: Alden Kennedy (Equity)
Fairfield University Glee Club
The Fairfield University Glee Club, founded in 1947, is a mixed chorus of nearly 100 student singers. It performs a wide repertoire of classical, contemporary, and sacred music and has appeared at venues including Carnegie Hall, Westminster Cathedral (London), and the Vatican. Under the direction of Michael A. Ciavaglia ’04, DMA, the Fairfield University Glee Club is the parent organization of three additional ensembles: the Chamber Singers, the Bensonians (formerly the Men’s Ensemble), and Sweet Harmony.
Fairfield University Theatre Program
The Fairfield University Theatre Program provides professional training in acting, production, and performance, emphasizing inclusion, empathy, and social engagement. The program integrates students into real-world theatrical productions and collaborates with professional artists and Equity actors. The Fairfield University Theatre Program donates a portion of all ticket sales to the Golden Hill Paugussett Indian Nation in Trumbull, Connecticut.
Quick Center for the Arts
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is Fairfield University’s performing arts venue, presenting professional theatre, music, and cultural programming designed to engage the campus and broader Connecticut community.
Tickets and Information
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the energy of a major musical as a staged, costumed concert production.
- April 17–18, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- Fairfield University: Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, Kelley Theatre
- Tickets and event details: fairfield.edu/quickcenter.
