Giant (musical)

Giant is a musical with music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by Sybille Pearson, based on the 1952 Edna Ferber novel of the same name. The musical explores themes of race, class, family, and the changing landscape of Texas in the 20th century.

The story follows Leslie Lynnton, a Virginia woman who marries Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr., a wealthy Texas rancher. Leslie's progressive views and outsider status clash with the traditional values and entrenched social hierarchies of 1920s Texas. The musical spans several decades, depicting the challenges faced by Leslie and Bick as they navigate their marriage, raise a family, and witness the rise of the oil industry and its impact on their land and lives.

Key conflicts arise from the racial prejudice against Mexican Americans prevalent in Texas at the time, embodied by the character of Angel Obregón and his family, who work on the Benedict ranch. The musical also addresses issues of gender roles and the changing dynamics of power within families and communities.

Giant received its world premiere at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia in 2009. It then premiered at the Public Theater in New York City in 2012. Productions have varied in size and scope, with adaptations made to accommodate different theatrical spaces and budgets. While the musical received mixed reviews upon its debut, critics often praised LaChiusa's complex score and the ambitious nature of the story.