Final answer:
The statement about the actor's career before starring in Big is true, referring to Tom Hanks. His performance was acclaimed, and Big became a musical, illustrating the trend of adapting successful movies for Broadway productions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about an actor who appeared in a string of mostly unsuccessful comedies before starring in Big (1988), giving a delightful performance as a child in a grown man's body, is a reference to the career of an individual actor. It's true that Tom Hanks, the actor in question, starred in Big and earned critical acclaim for his performance. Following the pattern of adapting successful movies into theatre pieces, Big was also turned into a stage musical, reflecting how popular films influence other mediums like Broadway.
The discussions on the portability of stories from one medium to another, such as from film to theater, further highlight the evolving nature of storytelling and performance. As the example provided suggests, Broadly productions have been increasingly drawing inspiration from successful movies, which echoes the quote about the 'same old role' being reinterpreted in various great or small ways depending on the adaptation and interpretation.