Ripe For Entertainment

The Drama Club will present performances of “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” on Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Pine Valley Jr./Sr. High School. Tickets, which will be sold at the door, cost $8 for adults and $5 for students.

The cast consists of 34 students in fifth through eighth grades along with many high school volunteers helping with directing, lighting, stage crew, and sound.

Based on a 1961 children’s book by Roald Dahl, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” is a family-friendly, whimsical production appropriate for all ages.

When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way.

Summer Drama Camp attendees collaborate on a large poster advertising the upcoming performances.

Songs to anticipate include “Right Before Your Eyes,” “Shake it Up,” and “Plump & Juicy.”

Characters include:

– Ladahlord: Joey Doner

– James: McKayla Ebel

– Centipede: Mohammed Kassem

Students rehearse a scene from the “James & the Giant Peach Jr.” musical being staged at Pine Valley Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday and Friday, July 25-26, 2024, at 6 p.m. and the community is encouraged to attend.

– Ladybug: Grace Rinehart

– Earthworm: Jasper Howard

– Grasshopper: Bryson Fagnan

– Spider: Lakelyn Brisley

– Spiker: Liberty Ross

– Sponge: Annabelle Lillie

Director is Mary Kay Himes and co-director is Holly Abers. Choreographer is Molly Sunick and producer is Caitlin Sengbusch. Concessions will be sold and a bake sale will be held. “Kisses for the Cast” will be sold for $1. Follow @pinevalleydramaclub on Instagram.