Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Opens Summer Children’s Theatre with James and the Giant Peach
Center Valley, PA, June 20, 2023—With a lively cast, imaginative scenery, and vibrant costumes the story of James and the Giant Peach comes to life at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival July 7 to August 5 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts at DeSales University.
This charming adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story follows the adventures of orphaned James who discovers a magical potion that transforms an old ordinary peach into an enchanted fruit of epic proportions. James and the Giant Peach comes hilariously to life in this delightful story about finding family and forging your own path. Through peach-eating shark-infested waters and seagull-filled skies, James’ journey of enormous proportions is fast-paced fairy tale fun for the entire family.
“I love that we are continuing the tradition of plays for young audiences here at PSF, and I love that we are doing so with this inventive and exciting production. From the fantastic story to the brilliant creative team, to the excellent company of actors, James and the Giant Peach is going to be a real treat for young people and the young at heart,” says Artistic Director Jason King Jones.
The cast of James and the Giant Peach features emerging artists from the Festival’s 2023 Young Company. Come along on this peachy adventure with James, played by Abagaile Ruger, and his super-duper sized bug pals portrayed by Patrick Byrnes (Earthworm), Megan Castellane (Grasshopper), CaSandra Kay Danubio (Ladybug), Nicole Lawrie (Glowworm), Gabrielle Moseley (Spider), and Christian Tuffy (Centipede). Joining the fun are Sydney Abbott (Sponge), Alaina Hurley (Spiker), Iyanu Joshuasville (Father), and Moriah Faith Wilt (Mother).
With carpet seating along the stage, kids can get a front-row seat to watch the action; and the entire family can meet James, his buggy bunch, and all the cheerful characters following every performance for photos and autographs.
James and the Giant Peach will be directed by Jenna Place. The creative team includes Costume Designer Bailey Rose Gavin, Sound Designer David M. Greenberg, Lighting Designer Trey Brazeal, and Set Designer Charlie Calvert. Anja Patience Thomas is the stage manager.
Tickets for children (12 & under) are $14; and adult tickets are $18. Patrons can purchase a Family Fun Pass for $22 to receive one ticket each to both James and the Giant Peach and Shakespeare for Kids for one low price.
Accessible performances include a sensory-friendly Relaxed Performance on Saturday, July 15, 10:00am. The 10:00am performance on Saturday, July 22 will include Audio Description (for the visually impaired) and American Sign Language interpretation (for deaf patrons).
The Production Sponsors are The Auvil Family and Co-Sponsors are Darbin and Deborah Skeans. The 2023 Season Sponsors are Yvonne Payne and Edward Spitzer. The Associate Season Sponsors are Douglas Dykhouse, Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth, Kathleen Kund Nolan and Timothy E. Nolan, The Szarko Family, and Harry C. Trexler Trust.
Artistic Leadership, Cast, and Creative Bios, here.