Twenty-five students and community members form the cast, almost all playing more than one role across the four nights of the show. Swanson directs an additional 22 students and community performers in the live orchestra, which will accompany each performance in Amherst's Orr Rink.

“This musical is being organized as a grassroots community event,” Paul says. “To have it staged in Athletics allows a department not traditionally involved in theater to be a part of the process, and that’s awesome.”

The Amherst production runs May 4–7. Tickets are free to Five College students, faculty and staff with valid ID. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 18. Reservations are strongly recommended, and can be made by filling out this form.

Discussions of the musical have begun even before the first performance. On April 20, the Center for Humanistic Inquiry hosted an academic symposium about the show with faculty and guest commentators that covered such topics as the humanity of giants, the relentlessness of wishes and the construction of family. All topics that promise to come to life anew next week.