Meet the “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” cast: Elayna Mockbil as Spiker and Alexis Gronow as Sponge

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 Elayna Mockbil, who plays Spiker; and Alexis Gronow, who plays Sponge. Spiker and Sponge are James’ two cruel aunts that he’s forced to live with following the death of his parents. They’re juicy parts that provide a lot of the show’s best comical moments.

Elayna Mockbil is a 13-year-old eighth-grader at Highlander Way Middle School in Howell who has been in numerous CTH shows, including several shows with her family.

Which CTH shows or other shows have you been in previously?

“I’ve been in “My Son Pinocchio,” “Aladdin Junior,” “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” “Shrek the Musical,” “Honk! Junior,” “Mary Poppins,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark Junior,” and now “James and the Giant Peach Junior!”

What’s your favorite thing about being in this production of “James and the Giant Peach”?

“My favorite part of this production probably has to be the amount of fun we have backstage and the costume rooms! Hanging out with the staff and crew is also really fun. And with all of the inside jokes and screaming, we’re all having a blast in this show!”

What do you think the audience will enjoy the most when the see the show?

“To be honest, I think the audience is definitely going to enjoy the Spiker and Sponge numbers. They’re all so energetic and just plain funny in general. Honestly, they’re my favorite parts of the show.”

Alexis Gronow is a 14-year-old homeschooled eighth-grader who has also been in numerous CTH shows.

Which CTH shows or other shows have you been in previously?

“I have been in nine CTH shows: “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” “Aladdin Jr.,” “Into the Woods Jr.,” “Shrek the Musical,” “Honk Jr.,” “The Phantom Tollbooth Jr.,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and most recently “The Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark Kids.” as Annie. I have also worked behind the scenes with backstage crew for “Mary Poppins,” and tech crew for “Spitfire Grill” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

What’s your favorite thing about being in this production of “James and the Giant Peach”?

“Since I like to dance, I really enjoy the dancing in the show. I especially like the tap dance I get to do. I also like playing a not-so-bright character or “comic relief” with my funny lines and songs. Another fun thing I get to do in this show is “break the rules” by eating while I’m in costume, because my character eats whip cream on stage.”

What do you think the audience will enjoy the most when the see the show?

“I might be a little biased but I think the audience will enjoy “Money on that Tree,” which is one of the songs Elayna and I sing. It is upbeat and entertaining.”

Tckets for “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” are $9, available by clicking here.

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