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The Real Life Toy Genius Behind Big's Famous Piano

big-piano.jpg

Big, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will forever be remembered for one indelible scene: Tom Hanks, Robert Loggia, and a giant floor piano. (The piano is so integral to the film that it was also the centerpiece of the short-lived Broadway musical.) To this day, Big fans can visit the giant piano at FAO Schwarz's flagship store on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and perform their own version of the classic Hanks/Loggia "Heart and Soul" duet. In addition to being the most successful "kid magically turning into a grown-up" movie (sorry, Vice Versa), Big is also notable for placing FAO Schwarz, and it's one-time CEO, Peter L. Harris, firmly in film history.

The inspiration for Loggia's character, Harris is credited for bringing FAO Schwarz to the prominence it enjoys today as a New York City landmark -- and for developing that famous floor-length piano. Harris took over the then-troubled toy store in 1985 (while the script for Big was being developed), and came up with the concept of "entertainment retail," believing that every customer should have a fun experience beyond the purchasing of products. His vision continues today through the giant clocks, teddy bears, and other larger-than-life goodies stocked in the store. Harris is also said to have shared many of the same qualities as Loggia's MacMillan --eccentricity, daring, and a sense for youthful fun. After all, he did listen to Hanks and his crazy ideas, much to the dismay of John Heard's uptight yuppie jerk.

For a full schedule of Big on AMC, click here.

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Posted by Nick Nadel
June 3, 2008 12:01am


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