The Students of GVT’s Education Program Present a Classic.
James and the Giant Peach has been delighting families for decades. Many will know the children’s novel written in 1961, and even more, will know the Disney film from 1996. Now the stage
production is coming to Greenbrier Valley Theatre. Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most recognizable and quirky stories, the musical follows James as he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach and launches him into a journey beyond his wildest imagination. Joining him is a band of singing insects as they ride the peach across the ocean toward an unlikely family bond.
Ali Wills, a senior in her final GVT Education Program production, plays Spiker, one of James’s aunts that propel him to find the magical peach. “Audiences will enjoy the theme of community and found family,” says Wills. “James and the Giant Peach has such a funny way of going about it where audiences experience the heartwarming theme while still laughing at the funny songs and dances.” Directed by Jacob Masters, James, and the Giant Peach will also bring some unique twists to the stage that goes beyond the original story. “It has challenged us to grow, and think outside the box,” said Wills. “We want to think about unique ways to make the story personal to us and our theatre.” Now entering its 56th season, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, is a mainstay and theatre destination located in Lewisburg, WV. The arts organization has been further recognized as a “West Virginia Jewel of the Hills,” awarded the Living the Dream Service Organization Honor Roll by Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, and is a multi-year recipient of Non-Profit Business of the Year. GVT boasts a robust series of year-round programming and educational offers with the goal to enlighten, enrich, and enliven throughout the region. James and the Giant Peach Jr. opens at GVT on March 23 and runs through April 1. Tickets are $17 for general seating, $15 for seniors, and $13 for students. For more information on tickets, shows, and the organization’s history, visit the theatre’s website: www.gvtheatre.org or call the box office at (304) 645-3838.
