Music off the cuff

In the upcoming production "Big River," Mark Twain is an omnipotent presence writing the book that will become "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Like Twain, three musicians in 19th-century costumes onstage are a constant visual presence in the show, a theatrical convention suggesting that everything the audience sees is springing from the famous author's head.

But the musicians aren't there for looks. Their particular skills are essential to "Big River."

Bruce Zimmerman, Les Lindy Jr. and Steve Schaffner will be featured when the show opens Oct. 24 because they are good musicians who know how to improvise. The inaugural musical production at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus will spotlight two musicians who don't read music and a third who learned to play music both by day in school and late at night in bars.

Zimmerman, the godfather of area rock 'n' roll guitarists, will play six- and 12-string guitars, banjo and mandolin in "Big River." Lindy, a member of Zimmerman's rock band, carries around an arsenal of harmonicas. Schaffner is director of orchestral music for the Cape Girardeau schools but once performed in rockabilly bands with homegrown icons Norvel Felts and the late Lou Hobbs. Now he plays fiddle in the band Manitou.

"Big River" demands their ability to play notes that "Big River" composer Roger Miller never wrote.

The three have been learning the music from the Broadway recording of the show, which won Tony Awards for best musical and best original score. But besides accompanying singers on some tunes, they will be responsible for much of the incidental music during scene changes. "That has not ever been recorded," said Dr. Christopher Goeke, who is conducting the orchestra.

"At times they will be asked to play a recognizable melody and other times they'll ad-lib. "Our singers are doing the same thing," Goeke said. "This kind of show requires more of that musicianship rather than singing what's on the page."

Aside from jazz classes, this kind of musicianship isn't usually taught on campuses. "I think the aural tradition is largely overlooked by classical musicians," Goeke said. "There is a lot to be said about using your ear and repeating something. Musicians who play by ear generally are a lot better at improvising."

Before writing the music and lyrics for "Big River," the late Roger Miller was known for the country classic "King of the Road" and for novelty songs like "Dang Me" and "England Swings." Pleasing the ghost of Mark Twain was an intimidating challenge that took him three years to complete. The musicians view performing in "Big River" as a challenge, too.

Zimmerman will play mandolin, an instrument he is familiar with but rarely plays, and banjo, completely new to him. "It's not as second nature as it is on guitar. It's lots of work," he said. "But part of the thrill is the challenge. When you do this kind of thing it keeps you interested."

One mandolin song has seven chord changes in seven beats. "You have to be kind of accomplished to do that on guitar. Now I'm having to do it on mandolin," Zimmerman said.

Goeke is confident in Zimmerman's ability to handle the music. "I am thrilled to death that Bruce can play with us. He really is one of the best blues players in this area."

Two weeks after "Big River" closes Zimmerman will open for blues master Buddy Guy at the Show Me Center.

Playing with an orchestra does have certain musical requirements. They have to be in sync with the orchestra to keep from distracting from the actors and singers. "I know why they do all these rehearsals for these things," Zimmerman said.

'All paid our dues in bars'

His work with the orchestras and musicals staged at the schools make Schaffner more accustomed to arduous rehearsals. But he also knows about performing in places where the patrons keep yelling for "Free Bird." Manitou plays wineries and the "dead animal circuit" -- the Elks, the Eagles and the like. He has performed alongside Zimmerman at different times over the years. "Bruce, Les and I have all paid our dues in bars," he said.

Shaffner sponsors the fiddle team composed of musicians at Central High School. He has just taught them the shuffle bowing technique he uses in "Big River."

Goeke calls the musician's playing "phenomenal. He's already just nailing it."

Lindy was anxious for the challenge posed by the musical as well. "It makes you do something new," he said. "It's tough but cool, too. You've got to play what the band's playing. Somebody is up there directing you. Usually I'm just blowing what I feel. This is not what you feel. It's what's written down."

Lindy is a perfectionist who's been working with pianist Tim DePriest to ensure playing the "right" notes, but Goeke said most of the harmonica licks in the show are the kind of blues-based playing Lindy already does. "I'm not concerned about it," he said. "It's a different medium. He's developing his skills further as a harmonica player. He has really dug into it."

"Big River" director Dr. Kenn Stilson thinks the music in the show is extraordinary. "When they think of Roger Miller, most people think of 'King of the Road,'" he said. "When they hear this they discover what a brilliant composer he was."

The score blends county with traditional gospel, black spiritual gospel, folk music and even some jazz.

When Goeke suggested casting them, Stilson said, he was aware that Zimmerman, Lindy and Schaffner have fine reputations as professional musicians. "They have a deep understanding of music and culture. Musically this is going to bring something to the table we otherwise wouldn't be able to have.

"It's going to elevate the show to a different level."

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137