With the plot of the upcoming Moffat County High School fall musical syncing up greatly with its behind-the-scenes action, the message has never been greater that even when life throws you unexpected moments, the world can be magical when you surround yourself with the right people.
Even if they’re insects.
The MCHS theater program performs “James and the Giant Peach” this week with shows at 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a 1 p.m. matinee Saturday. Admission is $8.
The show — adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book by Timothy Allen McDonald with songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — tells the tale of lonely orphan James Henry Trotter, whose life with his abusive aunts takes a turn thanks to a magical spell that swells a piece of fruit to gargantuan proportions.
James also befriends a cluster of creepy-crawlies that are affected by the magic and blown up to human size, including a grasshopper, earthworm, ladybug and centipede.
Moffat County sophomore Marie Roberts portrays the spider, who is first seen in puppet form before the transformation that puts her in a frilly black and white outfit.
This week’s dress rehearsals are the first time integrating the props, sets and costumes, as well as the orchestra ensemble providing live music.
Roberts said certain elements of the show have been challenging but easier as time has gone by this fall.
“I’m a lot more confident now; everything’s memorized,” Roberts said. “The songs are going to be tricky, but we’ve all got a lot more confidence now and I think we’ll be able to rock it.”
Roberts, who’s been acting in MCHS shows since the eighth grade, added that rehearsal schedules were notably different this year.
“Having it every other day makes it harder in some ways because we haven’t had a lot of time to practice, but it’s better for things like homework,” Roberts said. “It’s good either way, but it’s fun to try it a new way.”
In her first year overseeing the drama department, MCHS vocal teacher Juliann Mathison said most of the bumps along the way have been what she was expecting.
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Members of the Moffat County orchestra get warmed up in the pit as part of “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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The earthworm and centipede perform in the opening number of “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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The spider and ladybug perform in the opening number of “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James confides in the ladybug and grasshopper while in an orphanage in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James is forced out of the orphanage in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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Members of the orchestra keep the music going in a rehearsal for “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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Members of the ensemble perform in the background of “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James is overwhelmed by the insects at a critical moment in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker relish their newfound fame in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James performs a solo in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James meets the newly transformed insects in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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The grasshopper shows off his musical skills in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James and his new companions perform with a musical flourish in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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The orchestra gets warmed up for the second act in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James and the ladybug share a moment in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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James and his insect friends celebrate their newfound family status in “James and the Giant Peach” Monday, Nov. 27.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
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However, she had to pivot this week when one of her main cast members had a family emergency requiring them to be out of town. Mathison recruited one of her choir students to fill Cynae Montoya’s part as one half of the evil aunts.
Freshman Max Turner stepped in Monday to fill the role of Aunt Sponge.
“I found out about it this morning,” Turner said. “It’s been really hectic but really fun. It’s been kind of a roller coaster getting used to acting and protecting my voice. It’s all been pretty challenging.”
Turner said she’s been quick to enjoy the process of being on stage.
“My costume, when I first saw it, was kind of crazy, but I love it now,” Turner said. “I’ve been interested in theater before, but I’ve never been in it.”
Mathison said she’s been thoroughly impressed with Turner jumping into the show.
“She’s stepping up sight unseen,” Mathison said. “This was her first time ever seeing the script or hearing the music, and I thought she did fantastic.”
Mathison said that while the music and blocking and other details are quite complex to get right, she’s seen so much growth.
“I am super-proud of them,” she said. “They had a lot on their plates, and to be able to come after school and put together a play when they still have to be scholars and accomplish all that they have to do in their classes is great. This is a super-challenging show and for them to be able to do as well as they are, I’m so proud.”
“James and the Giant Peach”
Director
Juliann Mathison
Cast
James — MaryAnn Booker
Ladybug — Guadalupe Lopez
Centipede — Keylee Bower
Grasshopper — Ronin Miller
Earthworm — Cheyenne Grivy
Spider — Marie Roberts
Ladahlord — Jaxom Gunderson
Spiker — Megan Neton
Sponge — Cynae Montoya/Madeline Turner
Ensemble
Issabella Guerra, Mariyana Connolly, Natalie Womble, Trevor Odell, Taya Told, Fantasia Jowell, Penelope Davis, Ember Mogus, Isabella Fandel, Kylie Lain, Quinn Gunderson, Emilyn Craig, Merrick Gonzalez
Stage Crew
Becca Ann Wagoner, Matthew Allen, Lex Bergstom
Tech Crew
Athan Smith, Hailey Collins, Zach Crookston, Mason Atkin, Kaidin Anthony, Jackson Petree
Orchestra Pit
Bryon Smith, Sunshine White, Rosalia Cortes, Isaack Duarte, Camila Nunez, Elliana Crain, Gabrielle Riley, Eric Warner, Lia Arnold, Zach Craig, Lief Albaugh, Shane Del Toro, Carrie Brown, James Simpson, Caleb Crumpton, Paityn Cox, Allison Nees, Chad Davis, Garrett Mercer, Aida Harrell