Josh Hits the "Big River"

Here's a story from yesterday's Herald-Dispatch about a local actor making his mark outside Huntington.

That's him in the photo - he's in character as one of the greatest figures in literature - Huckleberry Finn:

Marshall University student and Kenova native Josh Meredith, who has performed in many Tri-State theater productions, is spending the summer performing in some lead roles at the Weathervane Playhouse in Newark, Ohio.

Meredith, a theater major entering his junior year this fall, recently completed playing the lead role of Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. One reviewer said "Josh Meredith is Seymour, right down to the socks. Shy and reserved, Meredith maintains a meekness that gives his voice an unbelievable strength. Seymour goes from nobody to genius in the gardening world because of his strange plant and Meredith effortlessly shows the internal conflict caused by his dangerous decisions."

Meredith is now portraying Huck Finn in the current production of Big River, which runs through July 9. It is the story of a heartwarming, jaunty journey down the Mississippi River with Finn and his slave friend Jim.

Big River features a bluegrass, gospel and country score written by country music legend Roger Miller. Musical highlights from the show include "River in the Rain," "Muddy Water," "Arkansas," "Gov'r'ment" and "Worlds Apart."

Meredith also has leading roles in The Sound of Music and Chicago, which will be produced later this season.

The Weathervane Playhouse is located at 100 Price Road, Newark, Ohio. Big River (rated PG) will be performed at 8 p.m. July 5, 6, 7 and 8. Tickets are $26 for adults, $24 for seniors and students ($20 for matinee) and $16 for ages 12 and younger ($13 for matinee).

For tickets or more information, call 740-366-4616 or go online at weathervaneplayhouse.org.