Carlee WrightEnlightened Theatrics presents James and the Giant Peach on stage Dec 8-17
If you are looking for a not-holiday-related entertainment break, Enlightened Theatrics production of James and the Giant Peach may be just what you need.
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic story and familiar to many from both page and screen, the play shares the adventure of James, who discovers a magic potion resulting in a giant peach, human-sized insects with grand personalities and an epic voyage.
“It’s a fun journey, a journey of discovery,” said director Stephen Munshaw, who most recently produced A Little Night Music at the Elsinore Theatre.
For the design of the play, Stephen tried to pull elements of the movie into the musical.
“The evil sister world is two-dimensional, flat, dark and a little bit gloomy,” he said. “The peach is bright, sunny and in 3-D. It’s a mix of cartoon and reality. Movie claymation versus the real world. I played with those ideas and think it worked out well.”
Eighteen cast members bring the story to life, from puppet to humanized insect, with the assistance of a stellar production team that truly creates an escape to another world.
“A few moments give me chills and are super cool,” said Stephen, “…and the level of excellence the cast have been able to elevate themselves to is incredible.”
“A couple of songs are stand out, big company, bring down the house numbers, like ‘Shake It Up’ when the alligator tongues escape and ‘Plump and Juicy’ when they are floating in the sea, using the earthworm as bait. It’s super cute.”
And for those who may think it’s a show for kids, Stephen notes: “The writers of this music are the same that wrote La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman. The production of value shows. It’s for anybody of any age.”
James and the Giant Peach
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec 8-9, 14-16 and 2 p.m. Dec 10 & 17
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High St NE
Cost: $22.50; $10 youth. Purchase online at enlightenedtheatrics.org/tickets/
Note: There will be an ASL-interpreted performance on Dec 15.
The Instigator
