SAFYPT: “James & The Giant Peach”

28 Apr SAFYPT: “James & The Giant Peach”

The Sheridan Arts Foundation’s Young People’s Theater presents Roald Dahl’s “James & The Giant Peach.” Shows take place Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6, 6 p.m. at Telluride’s historic Sheridan Opera House. 

Tickets for reserved seating in advance are adults $13; children 12 & under $11; lap children free. (And $1 more the day of, so buy your tickets in advance to receive a discount.) Tickets are available on the Sheridan Opera House website here.  The concession stand will be open for each show, so bring the whole family down for a night of laughter and entertainment.

The Sheridan Arts Foundation’s Young People’s Theater presents “James & The Giant Peach,” May 4-6, at the Sheridan Opera House.

Starring 30 local actors grades 3-5, the production is based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, but with its wickedly tuneful score, witty and charming book, this adventurous adaptation about courage and self-discovery is destined to become a classic, a true “masterpeach.”

As the story goes, James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down an old fruit tree. After discovering a magic potion that grows on a tremendous peach, he rolls the giant into the ocean and launches on a journey of, well, enormous proportions.

En route, James befriends a collection of singing insects who ride the giant fruit across the waters with him. Along the way, the motley crew confronts hunger, sharks – and plenty of disagreements.

“This is a classic story everyone grew up with and loves,” said Leah Nikula, the YPT’s artistic director, who also directed this play. “You really can’t go wrong with Roald Dahl. Everyone knows his stories, and ‘James And The Giant Peach’ tends to be the one most treasured. The score written into this particular production is really incredible too. I’m excited for the kids to get to create such a classic piece of magic while incorporating this modern music that really adds to the impact of the show.”

The cast includes Fianna Ahern, Savannah Baize, Philip Brooks, Cooper Cantor, Matthew Charlton, Charlotte Guest, Eva Henschel, Lilly Jones, Gia Neyens and Anna Ward; fourth graders Celia Chaffin, Livi Emrick, Henry Deppen, Zoe Hampton, Hugh Hatcher, Caroline Keagy, Lana Kenworthy, Emmy Kunz, Madeline McNamara, Lila Mueffelmann, Charlie Raible, Sonja Rikkers and Anabelle Starr; and third graders, Piper Allen, Ruby Cieciuch, Leif Henschel, Belle McTigue, Lola Neyens, Eleanor Rosen and Max Singer.

“The kids are so incredibly talented. They’re excited to be here, excited about their roles, and really motivated to make this the best show possible. When you get a group of kiddos who collectively support each other like these young ones do, you have a recipe for something really special,” Nikula said.

“James & The Giant Peach” is choreographed by Danielle Jenkins with lighting design by Rob Wagner; sound design by Tommy Wince; and set design by Buff Hooper.

Nikula was also assisted by older YPT students, namely, Cassidy Craig, Koko Waller,  Macy Desmarais and Dietz Woehle.