Schaumburg On Stage presents 'James and the Giant Peach'
Join in a mystical story as Schaumburg On Stage presents Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach" Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at the Richard C. Johnson Auditorium at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., in Barrington.
Now in its 21st season and 38th production, Schaumburg On Stage, has been bringing the Northwest suburbs premier musical theater since 1998. Schaumburg on Stage's "James and the Giant Peach" uses playful orchestrations, quirky costumes and whimsical all-cast dance numbers to bring this classic story to life.
Alex Garcia of South Barrington and Aya El masbahi of Hoffman Estates will be featured in the titular role of James, a lonely boy who through his curiosity finds friends and confidence in a unique group of insects.
The story is perpetuated by the magical narrator, Ladahlord, played by Nick Rogacki of Elk Grove Village and Kaitlin Tenbrunsel of North Barrington. The role of James's mean and conniving Aunt Spiker is shared by Logan Kennelly of Elk Grove and Gia Daubenmire of Bartlett. Ava Coletta of Elk Grove Village and Michele Gurrieri of Schaumburg portray the role of James's mean, yet dim, Aunt Sponge.
James meets several strange characters in the giant peach, including a nurturing and inviting Spider portrayed by Chloe Venner of Schaumburg and Angela Tomaso of Elk Grove Village. He also meets a wise Grasshopper played by Kyle Moore of Streamwood and Matthew Glanzmann of Elk Grove Village, who is interested in the warm and caring Ladybug, played by Lenore McBean of Bartlett and Megan Johnson of Elgin.
Sam Gould of Palatine and Alex Kiss of Streamwood share the role of the worrisome and anxious Earthworm. The final insect in the giant peach is the sour and rude Centipede, portrayed by Ellie Ippolito of Fox River Grove and Emmy Erhardt of Schaumburg.
The production is led by producers Mary Alice Benoit and Mary Miller; directors Taylor Benoit and Jim Shedd; music and vocal director Payton Kaye, and choreographers Amanda Zgonina and Kevin Kline.
The cast of 60 performers ranging from 8 to 18 years of age has been rehearsing only six weeks preparing for this Roald Dahl classic featuring songs such as "Right Before Your Eyes," "Shake it Up," and "Plump and Juicy."
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, at the Richard C. Johnson Auditorium, Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., in Barrington. Tickets range between $13 and $16.
For information, contact Schaumburg On Stage at (847) 345-0092 or visit www.schaumburgonstage.org for tickets.
Cast members are: Neena Divito and Claudine Mele, Arlington Heights; Mia Arenson, Gia Daubenmire, Brooke Dixon, Grace Griffin, Mia Ibarrientos, Lenore McBean, Ava Pfeiffer and Madison Roden, Bartlett; Isabella Lopez and Alberto Lopez, Crystal Lake; Megan Johnson, Elgin; Ava Coletta, Sophie Estes, Matthew Glanzmann, Logan Kennelly, Katie Kerrigan, Chase Reabe, Nicholas Rogacki, Angela Tomaso and Nicole Weiss, Elk Grove Village; Ellie Ippolito, Fox River Grove; Miranda Linsley, Hanover Park; Ava Arce, Leilani Cervantes, Aya El masbahi, Molly Gruenwald, Kate Hammond and Zoe Pak, Hoffman Estates; Kaitlin Tenbrunsel, North Barrington; Diya Chaturvedula, Sam Gould and Lauren Scianna, Palatine; Bailey McCarthy, Rolling Meadows; Aida Huelsman, Roselle; Anthony Cavalier, Gabrielle Coyne, Liliana Doan, Emmy Erhardt, Michele Gurrieri, Simone Maneva, Emily Miller, Jadynn Punchak, Isabella Rybicki, Cole Tippery, Jessica Tippery, Chloe Venner and Bailey Rhyse Walters, Schaumburg; Alex Garcia, South Barrington; Kira Baasch, Melinda Jenison, Alex Kiss, Kyle Moore and Kiera Moore, Streamwood.
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