Marshwood District Musical Presents James And The Giant Peach

A classic children's novel is brought to life as Marshwood High School presents this year's District Musical, James and the Giant Peach Jr.

The beloved story of James and his adventures on the giant peach was written by Roald Dahl who has also written other children's favorites including Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and BFG. Mr. Dahl often sat in the back of an ornate gypsy van and delighted his children and their friends with made up stories. It was during one of these sessions that he created James' story, which initially featured a giant cherry. James and the Giant Peach was published in 1961 and became an instant classic.

The story was adapted to the stage by Timothy Allen McDonald, who though dyslexic, was inspired to overcome his challenges to become a playwright. When he first read it in 3rd grade, imagining it with music, he knew James would make an awesome musical.

According to McDonald, finding unconditional love is what James' story is all about. This heartwarming show tells the story of a boy who is born into a wonderful life with loving parents. After tragedy strikes, he is forced to live with his evil aunts. Through his adventures on a giant peach, he discovers new friendships. He learns through his journey that family means more than just being related, ultimately leading him to his perfect family. "Sure they're pretty weird and sometimes they don't get along, but they love each other unconditionally. And isn't that exactly what a family should be?" said McDonald.

This is director Tanya West's fourteenth Marshwood district musical. "Adventure, imagination, creativity, finding where you belong - these are all ideas central to James and the Giant Peach Jr.," said Ms West. As she was developing her vision for the show, she thought about how these ideas are also essential elements for the philosophy of steampunk. She thought the two would be a perfect match so the idea of James and the Giant Peach Jr. with a steampunk aesthetic grew. The term "steampunk" originally came from science fiction novels but has since grown into a whole visual style that mixes old and new. It combines a Victorian aesthetic and industrial age technology with the do-it - yourself, self-expressive creativity of punk. Ms. West thought this quote fit perfectly with this show, "Steampunk is an eclectic world of cogs and rivets. It is airships, goggles and steam. It is romance, It is traveling on clouds and diving beneath rugged waves. It is adventure." (Aether Emporium) "That is so the story of James," she added.

As the brainstorming began, Ms. West became more and more excited. Both looking forward to interpreting the journey of Peach and the concept of translating it into a steampunk aesthetic fueled her imagination. "Thankfully, my amazing team was willing to take that leap with me, and the excitement of the possibilities has become contagious. Students and parents alike have embraced the fun and creativity of both the story and steampunk. Imaginations have come alive!" said Ms. West. Cast member Anna Flynn, a 7th Grader at Marshwood Middle School, had fun picking out her costume. "I hadn't heard of steampunk before, but I think it's really cool and goes well with the story of James and the Giant Peach Jr. I'm so excited to be in this show!" she said.

By selecting this show from Music Theatre International, the production helps support Turnaround Arts, an initiative which is part of The President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities and whose honorary Chairman is Michelle Obama. The program was created by the committee in collaboration with the White House and the Education Department to test the theory that arts education can help improve student outcomes and create more positive learning environments. "The Turnaround arts program has exceeded not just our expectations, but our wildest hopes and dreams." said Mrs. Obama. "I'm thrilled we are helping support this fantastic program benefiting schools and students who may not have the resources we are so fortunate to have in the Marshwood School District." said Ms. West

Experience the magic of this enchanting, classic tale with your entire family. As Roald Dahl said, "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," and "Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world."

Performances for James and the Giant Peach Jr. will be November 11, 12 and 18 at 7pm, and November 19 at 2pm and 7pm in the Wesley E. Kennedy Performing Arts Center at Marshwood High School. Tickets are available for $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Reservations can be made by calling Marshwood High School at 207-384-4500 or online at marshwoodmusic.org.

(Picture Credit: Marshwood Theater)

To post a comment, you must register and login.