🔊 LISTEN TO THIS STORY HERE:
Due to a conflict of timing, the rights to the first production scheduled for Theatre 29’s upcoming season – Schoolhouse Rock Live – were not released because of a possible professional tour. As a result, the Theatre 29 board and director Katie Fleischman are excited to announce auditions for a GIGANTIC family favorite musical – Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach.
Based on the beloved 1961 children’s book, the musical features a wickedly groovy score from Tony-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach, human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, and a journey of enormous proportions.
Auditions will still be held Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. at the theater at 73637 Sullivan Road in Twentynine Palms. Those auditioning should prepare 32 bars of a Broadway song. Bring backing music on any digital device. Please be prepared to read for any role and be dressed ready to move. If you are unable to attend the auditions on July 17 but would still like to be considered for the show, contact the director by e-mail at [email protected]. Rehearsals will be held at the theater Monday through Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Performances will run weekends at Theatre 29 from September 2nd through 18th with performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Fleischman is looking to cast 12-14 performers, including one child performer for the role of James.
All roles are open for audition:
Ladahlord (Male, ages 25-55): A strange, magical storyteller. Often inserts himself into the story, in disguise, to help push the action forward.
James (Male or female, 9-15): A lonely young boy who lacks confidence. Having lost both his parents in a freak accident, he feels he belongs nowhere in the world. However, when given the right encouragement he becomes resourceful and innovative. A good friend.
Spiker (Female, 30-60): James’ mean aunt. A thief and a scoundrel. Shrewd and opportunistic. Very tall and thin.
Sponger (Female, 30-60): James’ other mean aunt. Also a thief and a scoundrel, but not nearly as bright as her sister. She often has her mind on food.
Spider (Female, 18-35): A normal spider who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Her husband was killed and eaten by Spiker and Sponge. She is warm and friendly to James.
Grasshopper (Male, 18-40): A wizened grasshopper who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. An excellent musician.
Centipede (Male, 18-40): An ornery centipede who becomes human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Hates humans, in part because Spiker and Sponge fumigated his family. Prickly and rude, everyone thinks he is a pest.
Ladybug (Female, 30-50): A motherly ladybug who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Respectable and classy, she has a warm, caring heart.
Earthworm (Male, 20-50): An earthworm who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. A bit of a scaredy-cat. He is neurotic and worried about everything, but is very friendly and brave when called upon.
Ensemble (2-3 performers, 18+): singing, dancing, and speaking roles, including Crowd, Karl Kreatour, Reporters, Vagrants, Garden Guild, Bobby-Cops, Oompa Loompas, Hollywood Agents, Seagulls, and New Yorkers
