Fans of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book James and the Giant Peach will see their favourite characters come to life at Bert Church LIVE Theatre May 24 to 26, when Airdrie’s Nose Creek Players perform the tale on stage.
“Last year, we were going over our options for what to do this season, and this one seemed to be the crowd favourite,” said Miranda Peters, treasurer with the theatre group’s Board of Directors and director of the production of James and the Giant Peach.
The adapted version of the story begins at the end of Dahl’s book, with James and his friends living in their giant peach pit in New York City’s Central Park. According to Peters, the set needed to do the story justice is quite elaborate.
“We have some great people who have built us a giant peach – and when I say ‘giant,’ it really is giant,” she said. “It will be a big surprise, I think, when it is unveiled next week.”
Planning for the large-scale production started last year, Peters said, with rehearsals picking up in January. Construction on the expansive set has been steady since the middle of April.
“We’ve got about 23 people involved in this production – 14 actors, and then more people working as the crew,” she said. “For this production specifically, a lot of new people have joined us, which is really exciting.”
Interest in live theatre is growing, Peters said – for Nose Creek Players’ 2018-19 season, four productions will be offered instead of the group’s usual two. According to Peters, theatre provides an opportunity for creative expression.
“Whether it’s through acting on stage or helping out with the crew, it’s a chance to really show off your artistic side,” she said. “We’re looking to continue building community through our theatre, and with more helping hands, it’s always easier.”
Even just attending a theatre performance gives people of all ages a reason to use their imaginations in an exciting way, Peters added – especially a production as whimsical and fun as James and the Giant Peach.
“Roald Dahl is a great author, and this story is so bizarre and fun,” she said. “But it’s not just a crazy adventure, it really has a deeper meaning on the inside. It’s about true friendship and overcoming adversity, but there’s never a dull moment. There’s a lot for people to take away.”
Nose Creek Players will be offering two evening performances and one matinée production of James and the Giant Peach at Bert Church LIVE Theatre. Tickets are available through the group’s website, nosecreekplayers.com
