A giant peach and a timeless message come to life in Hickory
More than six decades after Roald Dahl, the British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, introduced readers to the adventures of the orphan James in “James and the Giant Peach,” the story continues to captivate audiences.
The Old Schoolhouse Players (OSP) in Hickory will present the musical adaptation of Dahl’s novel at the Mt. Pleasant Township Community Center starting Friday and continuing through Aug. 9.
Featuring a script by Timothy Allen McDonald and music and lyrics by the award-winning songwriting duo of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the production follows a lonely boy whose journey aboard a giant peach introduces him to an unforgettable cast of larger-than-life insect companions.
Nostalgia and finding one’s tribe
Gianna Tress, the production’s director, believes nostalgia is one of the reasons the classic story resonates with audiences.
“The book was first published in 1961, the film adaptation was made in 1996 and the first stage version premiered in 2010, so you have generations of people who grew up with the story getting to experience it in a new way,” she said. “It transports people back to their childhood.”
Beyond nostalgia, Tress said the story’s themes remain relevant today.
“We all have two families–our blood family and found family,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to step outside your comfort zone to find them.”
Bringing the characters to life
When casting “James and the Giant Peach,” Tress said she looked for someone who could capture the wonder and innocence of the young protagonist.
“Violet, who plays James, does a wonderful job expressing the curiosity and wonder of the character,” she said.
She also praised the actresses playing the villainous aunts, Spiker and Sponge.
“They have great chemistry and play off each other so well. They’re absolutely hilarious and have really made the characters their own,” she said.
Tress points out that costumes and props play a large role in the production.
“Each insect’s costume not only has an insect vibe, but also portrays them with human-like features,” she explained, noting that puppets designed and made by the artistic director will also be featured in the production.
A villain audiences love to hate
Joyce Miller, who plays Aunt Spiker, is known for her horrible behavior towards everyone and everything, including poor James.
“It’s fun to play a comedic, ridiculous villain,” Miller said. “Her interactions with her sister are hilarious, most of the time.”
Still, there are moments that can be challenging.
“I often feel bad calling James nasty names,” Miller notes. “I just have to disregard those feelings until after the rehearsal.”
Miller, who has been with Old Schoolhouse Players for 21 years, describes Spiker as mean, selfish and conniving, but says the story itself carries a positive message.
“It’s about courage in the face of tragedy and how a family isn’t always about relatives, but about the relationships created through love and friendship.
She also appreciates the story’s sense of justice.
“Good always triumphs in the end,” Miller said. “It’s satisfying to see the bad guy get what he or she deserves.”
The importance of community theater
Tress said that it’s been rewarding to be involved with OSP.
“I think it brings a lot to the little town of Hickory; we’re literally called ‘Broadway in the Country,'” she said, adding that it brings all kinds of artists together, from orchestra members and actors, to set builders and others.
“We also work with other local community theaters to support and promote each other,” she said.
One of Tress’ favorite experiences is interacting with the audience after shows when she is in character.
“I once had a lady come up to me and hug me,” Tree recalled. “She said she recently lost her husband and said something about my character that made her laugh when she really needed to. That stuck with me.”
For Tress, moments like this are a reminder of why community theater matters. While audiences may come for the giant peach, colorful insects and childhood nostalgia, they leave with something more enduring: a sense of connection, hope and how family can be found in the most unexpected places.
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- The Old Schoolhouse Players’ production of “James and the Giant Peach” will be presented at the Mt. Pleasant Township Community Center through Aug. 9. [Brian Nath]
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- “James the Giant Peach” is a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. [Brian Nath]
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- “James and the Giant Peach” is being presented by Old Schoolhouse Players through Aug. 9. [Brian Nath]
Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.; and Aug. 7-8 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. For information, go online to osptheater.com.