Children’s author Roald Dahl wrote in his classic novel “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator”, “A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men”. As our modern world often careens between taking itself too seriously and not taking important issues seriously enough, a refreshing bit of nonsense can be the balm we all need. Theatre 29’s season debut production of another one of Mr. Dahl’s classic tales, “James and the Giant Peach”, provides such a delightful bit of nonsensical fun.
Katie Fleischman marks her main stage debut as a director of a musical production, previously having directed dramatic productions of “The Mousetrap”, “The Odd Couple” and “The Glass Menagerie”. And as anyone who has ever produced a musical knows, they are three times the work: integrating acting, music and dance into one cohesive show. The scenes weave together fairly seamlessly. There are some nice practical effects that occur onstage (I will remain spoiler-free here!), executed by Stage Manager Nena Jimenez’s backstage team. Musical Director Liyan McNeltier did a good job in finding the strengths in each performer’s vocal ranges.
The music by composer Justin Paul and Lyricist Benj Pasek (the creative team behind “The Greatest Showman”, “La La Land” and “Dear Evan Hansen”) is melodic in a modern sensibility, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to sing. Kudos for McNeltier’s apparent efforts in keeping her singers coherent and constructive musically. Lisa Goldberg’s choreography is snappy, particularly in the opening number, “Right Before Your Eyes”. With the set requirements at play in this production, space is at a premium for movement. Lighting design, also by Goldberg, is effective and she make good use of the increased LED lighting units present on mainstage.
Sound levels could be increased as it seemed, at times, that the performers could not hear their accompaniment and their vocals were drowning out the sound instead of blending the two harmoniously. The costuming by Tera Bottorff was effective, particularly with the anthropomorphized insect characters who were dressed not to mimic their creatures look but reflect their intent in human couture.
This production begins and ends with the spritely character of Ladalord, expertly embodied by Noah Wahlberg. Equal parts Puck and The Cat In the Hat, with some sly nods to the Emcee from “Cabaret” for good measure, Wahlberg bursts out in this role. As the Narrator of the work and the literal glue that ties the entire story together, his energy, marvelous vocals and silky body movements treat audiences to a tour de force performance. Our primary title character, James Henry Trotter, is played by twelve-year-old veteran performer Liam Keeran. Fresh off his summer youth performance as Maui in the senior production of “Disney’s Moana Jr”, Liam hits the mainstage in his first season lead. Charming and innocent, this James manages to keep his eyes on the horizon when life has given him nothing to truly look forward to. As with many of Dahl’s heroes and heroines, James is an orphan and is shuttled off to live with his only surviving relatives, the dastardly aunts Spiker and Sponge, played here with dripping malice by Sabrina Olsen and Kat Cheek. Great make-up design for these two helps accentuate the diabolical evil these two grifters personify. These are two “ladies” one would never want to meet in a dark alley!
The ensemble of “insects” that are transformed along with the peach in question (not telling you how!) manifest the very real attitudes, fears and hopes of James himself (and by proxy, the viewing audience). Chris Fleischman’s violin playing Grasshopper lends empathy and support, while the demurely proper Ladybug (Lisa Goldberg) exhibits grace and propriety. Andrew Perkins’ surly Centipede exhibits the very human behaviors of intolerance and bigotry, something that requires a leap of faith to overcome. Emily Sheckler’s Spider is a bit of a motherly symbol, but suffers no fools. Joe Rego’s blind Earthworm, views everything as a threat, where care and caution are sacramental. I did really enjoy the tearfully funny “Plump and Juicy” number. All the denizens of “Spaceship Peach” (again, gotta see it to get it!) interact, support, agitate and engage, evolving into the most unusual family in true Roald Dahl style.
Finally, the small ensemble (Tyler Bateman, Cindy Daigneault, Cathy Inscore, isla Keeran, & Jayme Zwicker-Bateman) flesh out the entirety the universe……or peach-iverse (Yes, another peach reference). From cops to seagulls (another kudo to the costumer on the simple but effective costuming here) to men in
dresses (got your attention, didn’t I?), they filled the wild, wacky world to the brim.
“James and the Giant Peach” is appropriate for all ages and a delight for audiences from tiny to tall. And as another Dahl heroine, Matilda Wormwood, said “If you are good, life is good.”
“James and the Giant Peach” will perform weekends through September 18. For tickets, please visit theatre29.org or call (760) 361-4151.
