I have wanted to have our actors perform James and the Giant Peach for a long time. I love Roald Dahl’s children’s stories! In them, magical and amazing things happen to kind and deserving children. They are able to overcome sad things, bad things, bullies and witches. As quoted from Roald Dahl’s official website,”[His] stories celebrate the incredible potential of young people and the power of kindness.”
At AACT, we too recognize the power of the young. Our programs are designed to help budding actors learn and use theater skills to gain confidence, better communicate, collaborate, and problem solve. They learn that putting on a play is not really “play”, rather a LOT of work. We do try to have fun in the process though!
In this story, James is tragically orphaned, then thrust into the hands of Sponge and Spiker, two horrifically awful aunties. Raven’s claws, tiger paws and some tarantula poop (just the tiniest scoop) are just a few of the magical ingredients needed to save James. It is a powerful story of love, creating confidence and finding family.
100’s of hours spent rehearsing, painting, sewing and creating, 37 talented young actors, 14 dedicated teen rehearsal assistants and tech crew, 3 Musical assistants, 2 Choreographers, 2 Stage Managers and the most FAN-TAS-MA-RIFIC creative team were some of the ingredients we needed to create the magical and remark-u-lous journey that is about to unfold, “Right before your eyes.”
I am always so touched by the generosity of everyone who contributes in any way to these productions.Thank you to all who have shared their time, resources and talents so freely!! Especially, I thank YOU the audience for joining us on this journey. Enjoy the show!
I will let Roald have the last word…“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl
Melanie Brown
