Middle school to present 'James and the Giant Peach'

  March 9, 2017, 7:30 pm

By Christy Jepson

Ronald Dahl's first children's book, "James and the Giant Peach," will be performed at Vista Heights Middle School in Saratoga Springs with a very unique twist to it on March 16-18 and 20.

The middle school stage will be home to Dahl's memorable characters of James Henry Trotter and his aunts, Spiker and Sponge, and all the interesting insect and bugs he meets inside the peach with a bold theme and twist of Mexico's Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.

According to Garr Van Orden, the drama teacher, the theme of the Day of the Dead and the storyline fit together perfectly. James is trying to survive as a young orphan boy who is dealing with the loss of his parents, who were trampled by a rhinoceros.

"Ever since Mr. Van Orden told us that the concept of this year's musical was going to be centered around the Day of the Dead celebration, I was so excited. I've been taking Spanish classes ever since second grade and I have grown up learning to appreciate the many Spanish communities and cultures," said Kolton Nielsen who plays Ladahlord, the magical narrator character.

With the musical being double-casted, there are 10 main characters that can be seen on March 16 and 18 and the other cast can be seen on the 17 and 20, along with the 28 members of the ensemble that can be seen all four nights.

"Double casting the show is a lot more work. But the kids are so talented. That's why I have to double-cast the show. In fact, there's so much talent that I could have triple-cast the show," says Van Orden.

When Isaac Webb, who plays Ladahlord also, was asked to explain what he thought was the message of this musical, he said: "Even when life seems down, you can still go on to be successful and you are always loved." Eli Boyden, who plays James in one cast, believes the message is, "Even when you can't be with someone, they are still with you."

Ammon Geisler, who also plays James, recalls his favorite part of the musical. "I love the scene with the song "Plump and Juicy." It is a fun number to perform; it is funny and very jazzy."

Van Orden's drama philosophy of adding to and changing the plays or musicals to have a new twist or theme to it was true last year when he created a Beatles version of "Alice in Wonderland." The last year he taught in Wyoming, he did a steampunk version of the musical "Oklahoma!"

"I'm very passionate about the importance of a concept," said Van Orden. "And of course I couldn't be interested in doing the show if I couldn't come up with a fascinating concept that helps keep the creative energy running through everything. And this year is no different."

With the help of many parents who help organize, build, sew, create and help make things for this production, the adventurous story of James Henry Trottter, the giant peach and his friends will be flying into the Vista Height's auditorium. The musical will be performed March 16, 17, 18 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the Vista Heights Middle School auditorium, 484 Pony Express Pkwy, Saratoga Springs. Ticket prices at the door are $5 for adults and $3 for children.