Berkeley Playhouse Presents East Bay Premiere of Updated Family Musical Roald Dahl's JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

Berkeley Playhouse continues their tenth anniversary season of professional theater for family audiences with the East Bay premiere of the newly enhanced theatrical telling of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, featuring new songs from the Oscar® and Tony Award-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen, Film: The Greatest Showman, La La Land), and book by award-winning playwright Timothy Allen McDonald (Jim Henson's Emmet Otter, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley). Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), this all-new musical adventure is this season's most oversized, fantastical, magical, must-see musical for the entire family! Sent to chop down an old fruit tree by his cruel and devious aunts, young James discovers a magic potion that turns an ordinary peach into a massive, oversized GIANT-and a doorway to a land where anything is possible. Befriending talking grasshoppers and singing ladybugs, James and friends plan an escape-only to discover that leaving one foe behind can bring about new challenges. Performances run Friday through Sunday, and select Thursday evenings, beginning April 6, 2018. Press night will be held on Saturday, April 7 at 7pm. Tickets (ranging from $22-$40) are available by calling (510) 845-8542 x351 or by visiting online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Helming the production is Berkeley Playhouse Founding Artistic Director, Elizabeth McKoy. "James is truly the centerpiece of our 10th anniversary season, as it encapsulates and reflects everything we strive for at Berkeley Playhouse. It's a rich, captivating and instantly loveable musical for any age theatergoer, and has deep literary roots from one of our most masterful storytellers. But truly, it rang true to our mission as it has a potent underlying message of acceptance-of not being afraid to befriend and trust those unlike yourself. That acceptance, combined with trust among friends-no matter who they are-can help you conquer any monster, and bring a community together. When we saw that the creators of this incredible work went back to their wonderful one-act musical and developed it into this phenomenal, fully realized new work, we knew we had to add it to our season and introduce this fun and delightful work to East Bay audiences."

Continuing their goals of making theater affordable for all community members, Berkeley Playhouse includes two low-cost preview performances (April 6 at 7pm and April 7 at 1pm), and offers two Pay What You Can performances, Thursday, April 19 and 26 at7pm.

ABOUT BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE: Founded in 2007 by professional theatre actor, director, and teacher for over 25 years, Elizabeth McKoy, Berkeley Playhouse's mission is to create theatre and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving conservatory, a professional main stage season, educational outreach, and a commitment to the development of new family musicals. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work.

Previews: Friday, April 6 7pm, and Saturday, April 7 at 1pm.
Opens: Saturday, April 7 at 7pm.
Press: Saturday, February 17 at 7pm, and Sunday February 18 at 2pm.
Closes: May 6 at 2pm

Performances: Due to the unique performance schedule, please check the website for specific dates and times. All performances at Berkeley Playhouse at The Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.

TICKETS: For tickets ($22 for previews, $22-$40 for regular performances) or more information, the public may call (510) 845-8542 x351 or visit berkeleyplayhouse.org. Group rates available for 10 or more people. Ticket prices are subject to change at any time.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN: There will be two "Pay What You Can" performances, Thursday April 19 and 26 at 7pm. The promotion is CASH ONLY at the door one-hour prior to performance time. We request a donation of $20 per ticket but are able to accept a minimum of $5 per ticket.

FAMILY GUIDE: Education is central to the mission at Berkeley Playhouse. Guide created by Berkeley Playhouse staff for each production have been created to enrich the learning experience of all patrons both young and seasoned. Links to the free Family Guides can be found online at BerkeleyPlayhouse.org.

Berkeley Playhouse gratefully acknowledges support from Madonna Estates Winery; City of Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, Fleishhacker Foundation, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., Peet's Coffee, Extreme Pizza, The Imagination Foundation, and individual donors.

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