OCT’s James and the Giant Peach: a review!

“The Weirdest Story Ever Told!”
“Two Evil Aunts!”
“Man-Eating Rhino!”

So proclaimed the side-show style signs hovering over the stage of the Newmark Theater on May 7th, opening day of Oregon Children’s Theatre’s James and the Giant Peach. After a brief introduction from artistic director Stan Foote, stage lights started flashing and the opening stanzas of the booming circus tune Right Before Your Eyes started playing, drawing the audience into the magical tale that was about to unfold.

James and the Giant Peach is a story about conquering your fears, the true meaning of family, and of course, a little bit of magic. The story centers on James, a young orphan living in England. He is sent to stay with his only living relatives: two evil aunts, Spiker (Stephanie Leppert) and Sponge (Victoria Blake), who immediately put him to work chopping down the rotten peach tree on their property.

Before James can get started, he is confronted by Ladahlord (Gerrin Delane Mitchell), a magical man who gives James a powerful potion. When the potion accidentally spills on the tree, the next day is full of surprises to the tune of one giant peach and five larger-than-life insects. James and his new friends are plunged into a transatlantic adventure where they overcome the odds, forge friendships, and finally put those mean, greedy aunts in their place.

The cast is comprised of several OCT vets as well as numerous actors in their debut OCT production. There is a natural chemistry on stage, with masterful choreography and powerful vocal performances from all. Gerrin Delane Mitchell gives a magnetic performance as Ladahlord.

The role of James is double cast – played by 9-year-old Theo Curl and 11-year-old Aida Valentine. Both young actors deliver convincing dialogue and beautiful solos. However, it is hard to say whether one or two actors steal the show, as the entire cast is clearly dedicated to putting on a fantastic production.

There really is magic in the air, on and behind the stage. With musical director Jeffrey Childs (words and music written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), costume designer Jason Bray, and choreographer Kemba Shannon, among others, no detail is overlooked in crafting the colorful, dynamic world of James and his friends. There are clear transitions from dialogue to song and dance, and the two work together fluidly. Not only are the dances beautifully choreographed, but the blocking on stage seems flawlessly planned. The actors move naturally with and around one another, and from the aunts to the insects, the costumes are creatively spot-on.

Oregon Children’s Theatre is putting on a successful, beautiful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach through May 29. While the writers may have taken a few minor liberties with the plot details, the story still holds true to the original in all the important ways and still remains as irresistible as ever. I highly recommend this play to anyone with young children, or who may just be looking to revisit an old favorite!

Performances May 7-29 at the Newmark Theatre (Saturdays at 2 & 5pm and Sundays at 11am and 2pm). Weekday performances for school groups beginning May 10 (9:45 and 11:45 am Tuesdays-Fridays). Show runs 75 minutes with no intermission. Buy tickets here!