Remember the movie "Big?" Whether you were a kid or an adult in 1988, chances are the answer is yes.

Starring '80s heartthrob Tom Hanks, the movie tells the story of a little boy who gets his wish to become "big" - but only on the outside, making him, essentially, just a big kid.

Grandstreet Theatre will present the musical version of the hit film beginning this Friday, April 25. The show runs weekends through May 24.

"Be careful what you wish for" might be the take-home message of this well-loved story, but for the cast of Grandstreet's production, doing the show is all about getting to be a kid again - even for the younger set.

Cast members Bella DeLong and Brandi Thompson, who both play toys and get to wear colorful, flamboyant costumes (DeLong's is head-to-toe hot pink), say the show affords them the opportunity to let go of their inhibitions.

"It's like an excuse to act how you wanna act normally," says Thompson.

"I wish I could wear this to school, but..." says DeLong, trailing off with a smile.

Director Steve Alexander says the theatrical version stays true to the film - yes, they have the piano - just that, with the addition of music, some of the characters are fleshed out more fully.

"No one gets to do a solo song in a movie," said Alexander, who describes the score as "all over the map."

To play the lead role of Josh Baskin, Grandstreet has brought in actor Barry James, who most recently performed at Grandstreet as the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast."

Alexander says that for a cast that's half young people, many of whom are aspiring actors, getting to work side by side with a professional like James is a great opportunity.

Practically speaking, Alexander says the play requires a "triple threat" actor, singer and dancer and that, after considering several options, he felt that hiring James was the best choice.

"I always wanted to do this show," says James, who petitioned hard to be considered when he heard Grandstreet was producing the musical.

"The show simply is such a beautiful story about adults remembering to look at life in a simpler way," he said.

And while the role may be a technical challenge, James admits he doesn't have too much trouble playing a 13-year-old.

For inspiration, James looks to his younger cast mates, like Corlin Reed, who plays Josh's best friend Billy.

"That age to me, from what I've seen, cannot stand still," says James.

For the most part, though, James says that, like Josh, he's just a big kid at heart - and he still loves to play.

James lives in New York City and works near Times Square, and says, "If I'm early, the first place I go is Toys R Us."

As Josh's love interest, the high-powered executive Susan, Jessica Siebert has the opposite challenge of portraying a character older than she is.

Like James, Siebert has long dreamed of getting to be a part of "big!"

" 'Big' was my favorite movie when I was a kid," she gushes. "Like, all-time favorite."

Despite her youth, Siebert sounds like a veteran of romance when she explains why a boy trapped in a man's body is so attractive to her adult character.

"There's no baggage with him," said Siebert. "And she gets to experience that."

Siebert says for her, the story remains appealing because of its love story, but more than that, because it's a reminder about being a kid and finding the joy in life wherever you are at.

"You're gonna grow up eventually," said Siebert, "but you don't have to forget."