James and the Giant Peach

Musical

Writers: Timothy Allen McDonald Justin Paul Benj Pasek

Overview

Show Information

Music
Lyrics
Based on the Play/Book/Film
James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2010
Genres
Dark Comedy
Settings
Fantasy/Imaginary, Multiple Settings, Spectacle, Period
Time & Place
England, Dover, Atlantic Ocean, New York City, 1950s
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Large
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, High School, Large Cast, Middle School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA)
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes early teen, child, young adult, adult, mature adult, late teen, elderly characters

Synopsis

After his parents are killed by a stampeding rhino, James Trotter spends time in an orphanage before being sent to the only family he has left, his aunts Spiker and Sponge. But his aunts are cruel and torment poor James mercilessly. Urged by a mysterious man called Ladahlord, James creates a magical potion in an effort to change his situation. But the magic gets away from him, and instead he creates a giant peach and human-sized insects. The aunts see a way to make money from this impressive fruit. However, the insects decide they have to escape, and with James, they cut the peach from the tree--and their adventure begins.

Based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, James and the Giant Peach is a whimsical and magical journey of one boy out to change his life and find a real family. Opportunities for puppetry and spectacular visual effects abound, and the show is available in both Theatre for Young Audiences and Junior versions.

Lead Characters


James and the Giant Peach guide sections