Alliance Middle School to Showcase ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’

Alliance City Schools is set to present a fresh interpretation of the beloved story “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” This production, inspired by the classic tale by Roald Dahl, invites audiences to embark on a whimsical adventure filled with imagination. A talented cast of forty-five students will perform at Alliance High School from February 19 to February 21, 2024.

The musical director, Matt Horning, expressed confidence in his students’ abilities. “The musical is really complicated, but we have some really talented students at this school. They are up to the challenge,” he stated. Horning praised the cast’s dedication, noting their impressive performances of intricate songs and choreography.

Performances are scheduled for 19:30 (7:30 PM) each evening, with tickets priced at $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. General admission tickets can be purchased online at alliancemiddledrama.ludus.com/index.php or at the door. The show will run approximately 70 minutes without an intermission.

In choosing this year’s musical, Horning drew inspiration from the students’ engagement with literature, particularly as seventh graders read “James and the Giant Peach” as part of their English language arts curriculum. “In conversation with the teachers, there also happens to be some very creative theater-loving individuals at AMS,” he noted.

Last year’s production of “Schoolhouse Rock” set a high bar for this year’s show. The discovery of “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” felt serendipitous to Horning, who recognized it as the perfect fit for the current group of students.

The cast includes a diverse range of characters, with Natalie Eversdyke playing the role of Ladahlord and Andrew Horning taking on the lead role of James. Other notable cast members include Ashlyn Woods as Spiker, Radric Atherton as Sponge, and Brady Floyd as Grasshopper.

The production is a collaborative effort, with various clubs and classes contributing to the show’s success. Classes taught by Ann Foster and Dave Hammers are responsible for creating the backdrops that will be featured during performances, while seventh-grade teachers assist with props. Horning highlighted the community aspect, saying, “What’s really cool is somebody is going to come see the show who doesn’t have a kid on stage, but they are going to be proud because they will see something their kid made in the musical.”

Additionally, the Alliance High School construction trades program and art classes are helping to build the sets. Students are also receiving guidance from Ben Holbrook, who is assisting with character development, while high school students and a recent graduate contribute to choreography.

The involvement of various students and faculty members has significantly increased, with nearly double the number of participants compared to last year’s production. Both Horning and Heather Shive, the choir teacher at AMS, hope that this musical and future productions will inspire students who may be hesitant to audition for musicals or join show choir.

As the cast prepares for opening night, excitement is building within the school community. With its imaginative storytelling and collaborative spirit, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” promises to be an engaging experience for both performers and audience members alike.