Natalie Fields, Trevor Antlers, & Kiersten Vorheis in James and the Giant Peach. Photo courtesy Stage One.

James and the Giant Peach

Adapted for the stage by David Wood
From the book by Roald Dahl
Directed by Jamie Lynn Sutton Gilliam

Review by Valerie Canon

Entire contents copyright © 2017 by Valerie Canon. All rights reserved

I normally don’t write reviews in the first person, but this time I’m going to make an exception.

I had the great pleasure of attending Stage One’s production of James and the Giant Peach. My date for the performance was my four year old. She generally has a difficult time sitting still for 10 minutes, but she sat completely enthralled for this 70-minute show.

The story is based on the classic Roald Dahl children’s novel about an orphaned boy (Roman Tate) who is sent to live with his horrible aunts (Natalie Fields & Kiersten Vorheis). A stranger, Landahlord (Robert McFarland), helps James create a magic potion that ultimately transforms an ordinary peach into a giant peach. The peach is occupied by a variety of crawly critters (Matthew Brennen, Wesley Edwards, Billy Flood, Cami Glauser, & Embry Theimeier) whom James befriends. Adventure ensues.

This magical story was wonderfully portrayed. The costuming (Evan Prizant), lights, & sets were spot on. The actors, I can’t say enough about them, were truly magnificent. Mr. McFarland acted as the narrator of the story and it was almost as if the role was written just for him. Natalie Fields and Kiersten Vorheis were hilarious and terrifying just as I would imagine a live version of James’ aunts to be. Roman Tate* was a charming James. The five actors portraying the occupants of the peach were absolutely endearing. The only downside to the performance for me was that the songs are not all that memorable.

The production was thoroughly enjoyable for people of all ages. I highly encourage anyone, with or without children, to make sure you see this show.

Bravo Stage One!

*The role oƒ James is played in some performances by James Antlers.

James and the Giant Peach

March 25, April 1 & 15, 2017
2pm & 5pm

FREE for Family Pass Members. Don’t have a Family Pass? Get Yours Here:http://bit.ly/1FL7jya

Single tickets are $20 for adults / $15 for children 12 and under and are available through The Kentucky Center Box Office at 502.584.7777, in person at the box office, or online. Group discounts for parties of 12 or more are available by calling 502.498.2447.

**Student matinee performances available as well! Visit stageone.org for more info or call 502.498.2436.

StageOne Family Theatre
Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
501 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40204
502-584-7777
StageOne.com

 

valerie 3Valerie Canon is an actor, director, dancer, model, and choreographer based in the Greater Louisville area. Mrs. Canon received her BFA in ballet performance from Oklahoma University in 2004, and has performed in ballets around the country as a principal, soloist, and corps de ballet member. She recently directed Unhindered and Ungendered 2017: Once Upon A Spinning Wheel for Wayward Actors Company in January 2017.