Starting this weekend, 8th Wonder Theatre — a new professional company founded by Eastern Michigan University faculty members — will present a full production of "Big River," the Tony Award-winning musical version of Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

With music and lyrics by Roger Miller (including the show's most famous song, "Muddy Water"), and a book by William Hauptman, "Big River" premiered on Broadway in 1985 and features a bluegrass- and gospel-inspired score. 8th Wonder's production stars Diviine Huff of Ypsilanti and Kirsten Crockett of Ann Arbor as a mother and daughter who are separated, while EMU's Phil Simmons has choreographed the show, and Brian Carbine directs.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at jennmckee@annarbor.com.

"Big River" What: 8th Wonder Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical based on Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huck Finn," with music and lyrics by Roger Miller and book by William Hauptman. Where: Village Theater at 50400 Cherry Hill Rd. in Canton. When: Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.; Thursday, August 13 at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. How much: $17 ($13 for seniors and kids), though both 10 a.m. performances cost only a $5 donation, minimum. Info: Tickets may be purchased at the door or by phone at 734-394-5460, or at the Village Theater web site. For more information, visit 8th Wonder Productions' web site.