A peach of a play: Dist. 158 summer theater takes on Dahl classic
All of your old favorites will be there.
The crabby and nasty Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. The old green grasshopper. And of course the hero of the story - James Trotter.
Beginning today and running through the weekend, 62 students from fifth grade through high school will bring Roald Dahl's classic childhood tale "James and Giant Peach" to the stage at Huntley High School.
The production, dramatized by Richard R. George, will be the culmination of District 158's annual theater summer camp.
This is the third year for the camp, which is meant to give younger students more experience in the theater before entering high school, Director Tom George said. The camp also helps raise funds for the theater department at the high school, he said.
As part of the camp students get to be involved in all aspects of the production, from acting on the stage to seeing what it takes behind the scenes to bring a play to the stage.
"Students have the opportunity to experience all parts of theater from acting to a variety of technical theater opportunities," said Tom George, who also is working with Katie Claussen, Michelle George, Nick Mazur, Kim McKeown and Alex Scholinsky to bring the play to the stage.
"It gives the younger students more confidence as they enter high school that they have already worked with the high school on a play.
"Our high school students get the chance to gain more experience as well," he said.
Stephanie Patton, a sophomore at Huntley High School, plays the earthworm in the production, which tells the tales of James as he escapes his nasty aunts, and he and the other characters such as the earthworm, grasshopper and ladybug sail across the ocean in and on a giant peach.
Patton said rehearsing for the production has been a great experience.
"You get to meet lots of new people and you get to improve in all of your acting and projecting," Patton said.
Patton says she knows children and their families will enjoy all of the hard work the students have put in to bring "James and Giant Peach" to stage.
"It's really good for kids because it was a kids' movie that some people might know, and a book. And there's a lot of humor they might understand," she said.
The first show begins at 10 a.m. today, followed by another production at 7 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday "James and the Giant Peach" will be staged at 3 and at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for adults, and $6 for children 12 and younger and senior citizens. The 10 a.m. show today is a family show, and all tickets will be $6.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.district158.org./pac, by calling (847) 659-6506, or at the door.
If you go
What: District 158 summer theater production of "James and the Giant Peach"
When: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. today; 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Huntley High School performing arts center, Harmony Road campus
Tickets: $8 for adults; $6 for children 12 and younger and senior citizens. The 10 a.m. show today is a family show, and all tickets will be $6.
Info: Visit www.district158.org./pac, or call (847) 659-6506