A classic story known by many, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” is a new take on Roald Dahl’s beloved story. Featuring a whimsical tale, this show inspires the audience to use their imagination as the middle school cast takes them on a fun and adventurous journey. A total of 45 students will bring the musical to life soon.
“The musical is really complicated, but we have some really talented students at this school. They are up to the challenge,” said Matt Horning, AMS teacher and musical director. “I’m amazed at how they pulled off some of these songs and some of the intricate choreography that comes along with it.”
The performances will take place on Thursday, Feb. 19, Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Alliance High School. Tickets for the performances are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. All tickets are general admission only and are available online at https://alliancemiddledrama.ludus.com/index.php. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
The performance has a run time of 70 minutes with no intermission.
When choosing this year’s middle school musical, Horning was inspired by the work the students were doing in English language arts classes.
“The 7th graders read the novel ‘James and the Giant Peach’ as part of their unit on imagination,” Horning said. “In conversation with the teachers, there also happens to be some very creative theater loving individuals at AMS.”
When picking a show for this year, Horning knew it was going to be hard to top last year’s popular performance of “Schoolhouse Rock.” It felt like fate when he came across the “James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” He knew it was the perfect musical for this year, especially with so many students reading the book in class.
Individuals unfamiliar with the classic story will recognize the strange and imaginative elements from other stories by Dahl, such as “Matilda” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
The cast has been working hard learning the songs and dancing over the past couple of months, but they aren’t the only ones involved in the production. This year, several clubs, classes and individuals are joining forces to put on this whimsical show.
Ann Foster’s and Dave Hammers’ classes are working to create the backdrops that will be projected during the performances. The 7th grade teachers and classes are assisting with props.
“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,” Horning said.
In addition, the Alliance High School construction trades program and art classes are assisting with building the sets. Ben Holbrook is using his theater background to help students with character development. Even high school students and a recent graduate are helping with choreographing the performances. The high school theater department is helping with props and costuming.
“It’s a really neat partnership between a lot of different people,” said Horning.
More and more students are becoming interested in participating in musicals at Alliance Middle School. So much so that this year’s cast is nearly double the size of last year’s. Horning and Heather Shive, the choir teacher at AMS, hope this and future shows help to pique the interest of students who like to perform but are maybe too nervous to try out for musicals or even show choir.
Cast
Natalie Eversdyke as Ladahlord
Andrew Horning as James
Ashlyn Woods as Spiker
Radric Atherton as Sponge
Brady Floyd as Grasshopper
Natalya Jimenez as Ladybug
ShaRiyah Fortner as Centipede
Braylyn Hardy as Earthworm
Ava Doak as Spider
Jylliann Smith as Glowworm
Isabella Schrader as Mother
Kaidyn Gamertsfelder as Father
Isaiah Davis as Rhino
Cops - Chloe Reese, Lylah Fountain
Harmony Thomas as Nurse
Vagrant Soloists as Ava Selander, Aubree Ross, Kaiden Gamertsfelder, Catie Thomas
Malynna Sibert as Lead Reporter
Katie Kline as Lead Garden Lady
Aliyah Rounds as Hollywood Agent
Lila Turner as Zookeeper
Annaleigh Wilson as Willy Wonka
Garden Chorus - Lylah Fountain, Chloe Reese, Aubree Ross, Catie Thomas
Sea-Gals Dance Team - Alivea Chambers, Adelyn Covel, Leliann Johnson, Katie Kline, Brooklynn Moore, Aliyah Rounds, Allyssa Schaffert, Isabella Schrader, Malynna Sibert, Piper Walker
Ensemble - Micah Braisted, Victoria Briden, Sophia Buehman, Danika Cheatham, Isaiah Davis, Grace Edwards, Ella Fontaine, Lylah Fountain, Kaidyn Gamertsfelder, Molly Hays, Marlie Hudachek, Declan Mann, Chloe Reese, Sophia Rogers, Aubree Ross, Ava Selander, Addie Sweger, Catie Thomas, Harmony Thomas, McKenzie Thomas, Lila Turner, Annaleigh Wilson, Sarabelle Woodward
Student Stage Managers: Grace Craven and Alex Krug
Backstage Crew: Emerson Johnson and Ryker Lilly
Artwork: Mallory Gross, Andrew Horning, Natalya Jimenez, Averi Lightner, Haile Selassie, Xavier Simpson, Karter Smith, Pauline Smith.
Director: Matt Horning
Music Director: Heather Shive
Choreography: Avery Horning (‘25), Corie Horning (10th) and Andrew Horning, 7th grade
Technical Assistance: Logan McGee