I haven't seen the production of "Big River", but it sounds like it's a smash! I've always been a believer when it comes to people with disabilities doing theater. When I was a student at Hunter College I took an improvisation class and got an A. I later convinced the Theater Dept. to do a similar class for disabled students. It went from a one credit class to being a full three credits. I remember having a discussion with a teacher who argued that a disabled actor in a production (or reproduction) couldn't be successful without losing something in the piece. I argued that it could change the look of a piece, but, if done well, may actually add something. Of course, it would depend on the direction. Anyway, it's nice to see when something like this works. Here is a Reuters Review on yahoo.com.
Enjoy!