May 9, 2019
James Henry Trotter cannot escape his mean Aunts Spiker and Sponge — or can he? A magical peach may be his answer!
Join James and the creatures that he meets on his incredible journey as Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance presents James and the Giant Peach on May 17, May 19, June 7 in Varner Recital Hall on the OU campus.
Directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt and based on Richard George’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale, James and the Giant Peach is perfect for all ages.
“This show is an exciting and energetic take on the classic story of James and the Giant Peach,” said Mannon McIntosh, assistant director, stage manager and tour manager for the production. “We have an incredibly talented cast that is bringing the characters to life with such joy — you can’t help but laugh along and fall in love with them.”
Emily Fishman, who plays the role of the Centipede, agreed.
“One of my favorite things in the world is performing for kids, because hearing their laughs and seeing their faces brings me so much joy,” she said. “It really reminds me that performing is an amazing way to bring joy to people.”
Admission is $10 for the general public, and $6 for students, children and the 10 a.m. matinee. Children age 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online without service fees at startickets.com.
There will be an additional performance at 11 a.m. on June 1 at the Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts in Pontiac, Mich. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, visit Flagstar Strand Theatre.
“We will also be taking the show on tour to local elementary schools,” McIntosh said. “The tour is an opportunity for students in the show to learn how a touring production works, and a chance for local schools to see a live, fully produced theatrical production. If you’re interested in bringing the show to your school next year, please email [email protected].”
According to McIntosh, children and parents are encouraged to “get comfy” and wear their pajamas to the 7 p.m. performances on May 17 and June 7.
The June 7 performance will also be shadow-signed for the Deaf by Synergy on Stage.
Unlike other methods of accommodating Deaf viewers, including the use of an off-stage interpreter or captions on a screen above the sage, “shadow signing” allows ASL performers to follow of “shadow” the actors on stage while interpreting, which means the audience can easily pay attention to both the sign language and the actors in the theatre.
To learn more about shadow signing, visit the Synergy on Stage website at www.synergyonstage.com.
Performance Schedule:
• Friday, May 17 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.* (Varner Recital Hall)
• Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. (Varner Recital Hall)
• Saturday, June 1 at 11 a.m. (Flagstar Strand)
• Friday, June 7 at 7 p.m.*+ (Varner Recital Hall)
* Pajamas welcome
+ Shadow-signed for the Deaf by Synergy on Stage