Ask most adults what their favorite book was as a young reader and James and the Giant Peach surely tops the list. There are few stories that so effortlessly whisk young readers to another world – a wildly imaginative world, like James and the Giant Peach. Reading about James’ not-so-easy journey to a fantastical life of magic and friendship, makes even the youngest readers hang on to the book for hours to find out what happens next.
On March 14-29, Atlanta families can watch the story come to life at the nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre! The Alliance is pleased to present JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, as part of its Alliance Family Series. Rosemary Newcott, the Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth and Families, directs this surreal, one-act family friendly musical, which features jazzy Broadway-style music and lyrics by Tony-nominated Pasek and Paul (A Christmas Story).
A young English orphan begins to imagine a bright future as he embarks on a journey in a larger-than-life enchanted peach. James’s companions are a zany ensemble of insects brought to life by nimble actors and handheld puppets—and don’t forget the hysterically evil villains Spiker and Sponge. Children and adults alike will fall for the magical sweetness of a young boy on a whirlwind adventure to find his chosen family.
“What is family? This question is one that remains in James’s mind and heart through all of his many madcap adventures,” said Director Rosemary Newcott. “And the answer is one that is definitely worth a trip in a giant peach!”
The cast for JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH is led by 12 year old Benjamin Harding (Zorro) as James. The cast is completed by Caleb Clark (Alliance: Shrek), Molly Coyne (Georgia Shakespear: As You Like It), Wendy Melkonian (Alliance: Sister Act – The Musical), Brandon O’Dell (Alliance: Into the Woods), Julissa Sabino (Actor’s Express: The Rocky Horror Show),
Googie Uterhardt (Alliance: Next to Normal), Jeremy Varner (Alliance: Shrek), and Minka Wiltz (Three Weird Sisters).
SPECIAL EVENT – FAMILIES Centerstage – March 21
Join us on March 21 for FAMILIES Centerstage, an afternoon of fun, including music, dancing, acting workshops, and scavenger hunts with prizes for the whole family to enjoy! Featured events include a DJ, youth musical performances, interactive drama activities, an acting workshop, and much more.
Everyone with tickets to either the 1:00 or 4:00 pm performance is invited to this fun family festival from 2:00–4:00 pm! Tickets are available at www.alliancetheatre.org/FAMILIEScenterstage.
DATES, TIMES & COST
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH will have twelve public performances:
- Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm, from March 14-19, 2015 on the Alliance Stage
- EXCEPTION: March 14 performance times are 3:30pm & 7:00pm
- EXCEPTION: March 21 performance times are 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm
Adult tickets are $35 and Child tickets are $20 and are available at The Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org/giantpeach.
Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404.733.4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors, and students.
SCHOOL & HOME-SCHOOL GROUP PERFORMANCES
Performances are also available for school groups and home-school groups March 11 – 27, Tuesday through Friday at 9:45 am & 11:45 am. Most appropriate for grades K-6 and is applicable to Curriculum Standards: CCRR.2; CCRR.3; CCRL.6; TAE/MS.1; TAE/MS.11.
Tickets for school groups are deeply discounted. To book your school group, call 404.733.4661 or email allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org. Learn more about all field trip opportunities at http://alliancetheatre.org/content/field-trips.
Parents will be reminded that their children can imagine all sorts of wonders when guided by a good story when you see JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH at Alliance Theatre.
The Alliance Theatre is located at The Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street, at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.
