Theatre department presents musical ‘James and the Giant Peach’

The Harding University theatre department will present “James and the Giant Peach” at 7 p.m. Feb. 8-10 and 15-17 in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center. The show is directed by Professor Robin Miller.

“This is a very fun show with some wonderfully tender moments,” said Miller. “It is children’s theatre that is as much, if not more, fun for adults. Children will enjoy the outlandish characters and energy of the show while the adults will connect with heart-touching themes of family and relationships.”

The production features Kasey Kraft as James. She is joined by Drew Holley, Zeke Whiteside, Sydney Sanford, Shana Struble, Mattie Coy, Joshua Bennett, Kara Treadwell and Karen Alford. The four-member ensemble is comprised of Jenni Hankins, Chloe Hoofman, Zach Slomers and Valentino Warren. The play follows a young English orphan boy who enters a gigantic, magical peach and goes on an adventure with seven magically altered garden bugs. They set off on a journey to escape from James’ two mean and cruel aunts.

“Preparing to play the role of James has been interesting to say the least,” said Kraft. “Not only am I playing a child, but I’m also playing a boy. It has taken a lot of energy and imagination to figure out how a child would react in James’ situations. It comes down to being willing to let go and have fun.”

Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book of the same name, the performance includes music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and book by Timothy Allen McDonald.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 at www.hardingtickets.com or at the door. For more information, contact the box office at 501-279-4255 . For other Harding events and free and low cost services available to the public, visit www.harding.edu/community .

“James and the Giant Peach” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.MTIShows.com .