The Community Theatre of Howell’s production of “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” takes the stage at the Howell High School Freshman Campus March 9-11. From now until opening night this Friday, we’ll be introducing you to members of the cast.
Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty more.
In today’s story, we meet Aidan Ralko (Earthworm), Aimee Bean (Spider) and Nathan Hull (Centipede), three of the characters that James meets along the way.
Aidan Ralko (Earthworm) is a 13-year-old eighth-grader at Highlander Way Middle School in Howell.
Which CTH shows or other shows have you been in previously?
“I have previously been a cast member in CTH’s production of “The Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark.”
What’s your favorite thing about being in this production of “James and the Giant Peach”?
“My favorite thing about being in “James and the Giant Peach” is creating a fantastic show with the lifelong friends I have made at the theater.”
What do you think the audience will enjoy the most when the see the show?
“I think the audience will enjoy the music the most when they come to the show. The cast is so talented and the songs are so fun they will stick in your head for days.”
Aimee Bean (Spider) is a 15-year-old freshman at Brighton High School.
Which CTH shows or other shows have you been in previously?
“Most recently, I have been in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Phantom Tollbooth Jr.”
What’s your favorite thing about being in this production of “James and the Giant Peach”?
“My favorite thing about being in “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” is spending time with my friends and doing what I love to do.”
What do you think the audience will enjoy the most when the see the show?
“The show is very high-energy and is great for families and people of all ages.”
Nathan Hull (Centipede) is an 11-year-old sixth-grader at Highlander Way Middle School in Howell.
Which CTH shows or other shows have you been in previously?
“My first show was “Little Mermaid JR.” with CTH as a first-grader. I’ve also been in “Phantom Tollbooth JR.” and “Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs before Dark” with CTH. I have been in Christmas musicals at Community Bible Church also.”
What’s your favorite thing about being in this production of “James and the Giant Peach“?
“People are going to love Centipede. He is a funny character he has a lot of funny lines. He is also me.”
What do you think the audience will enjoy the most when the see the show?
“The whole show it is a cool experience to see James to go in the peach and see all of the insects.”
Tckets for “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” are $9, available by clicking here.
