JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
By Raould Dahl
Directed by Stephen L. Fredericks
WHEN: March 25–April 17, Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM
WHERE: The Growing Stage on Route 183, 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong
TICKETS: $18 for adults, $14 for children and seniors, group rates and birthday party rooms available
973.347.4946 or www.growingstage.com
A magical peach! An imprisoned boy! Insect friends! An incredible journey! This amazing adventure of James Henry Trotter will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape. Roald Dahl's story comes hilariously to life in this delightful dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises. You will see James (as he cleverly gets the Peach out of danger), the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper and the pessimistic Earthworm. You will also see James' mean Aunt Spiker and cruel Aunt Sponge come to a suitably sticky end.
The production features original music written by Jack Wooldridge, a 15-year-old cast member of the production. An author, composer and artist from New Jersey, he enjoys orchestral composition, as well as creating more contemporary scores. Writing the music for James and the Giant Peach was his first time writing music for theater, and it has been an exciting process. He lives in a renovated schoolhouse in Great Meadows.
This professional production features the talents of Equity artists Danny Campos in the dual roles of Aunt Sponge and the Centipede with Jason Scott Quinn accompanying him as Aunt Spiker and the Earthworm; Jenna Morris portrays the Ladybug; Robert Mintz as the Old Green Grasshopper; and Jerry Lazar as the Old Mysterious Man and too many other parts to mention. Also featured in the cast are Trent Hardin as James, Amanda Beck as the Glow-worm and making her TGS debut, Katelyn Spinosa as the Spider.
The adaptation, which is based on the first piece Dahl wrote for children back in 1961, is generally considered one of the finest books ever written for young people.
The Growing Stage is a professional member theatre of the Association of Actor’s Equity and is funded in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
