James and The Giant Peach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Chandler Davis, Artistic Director
Thalian Association Community Theatre
910-251-1788
WILMINGTON, NC- The Thalian Association will hold auditions for the first show of their 19-20 Youth Season, James and the Giant Peach Jr., Saturday August 10 at 10am. Auditions will be held at the Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd Street in downtown Wilmington. The production, directed by Michelle Reiff, runs September 13 through 22 at the Community Arts Center.
If needed, callbacks will be Sunday the 11th at 2:00 pm.
Available Roles:
Ladahlord
Ladahlord is a mysterious character who seems to have a hand in the magical things that are happening. Though he may seem a bit off, he carefully watches over James, making sure James moves towards to a better life. Ladahlord also serves as a guiding narrator throughout the story.
James
James is the hero of our story, on an epic quest to find a family of his own and gain confidence in himself.
Ladybug
Ladybug immediately takes on a doting, maternal role in Jameslife. This is a fantastic role for a performer with a great singing voice and a regal demeanor.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper, the leader of the Insects, is ever the optimist and assumes a paternal role in James life.
Spider
Spider is a clever creature who becomes a fun-loving older sister to James.
Earthworm
Earthworm is a gentle spirit, although he can be a bit of a coward. Luckily, he gains enough courage to save the day by baiting some gullible seagulls. Earthworm looks at James as a brother figure.
Centipede
Centipede may be a bit of grouch, but he is ever-loyal to the pack, and by the end of the story, he’s won over by James. James sees Centipede as that cranky uncle with a heart of gold. Centipede should have a good singing voice, and be able to make strong, specific acting choices.
Spiker and Sponge
Spiker and Sponge are the sort of aunts (or monsters) that you fear ever being stuck with. They take James into their home but only so that he can be their own personal servant. Spiker is the brains of the operation, and Sponge is more concerned with finding something to eat.
Zoo Crowd
Mr. Trotter, Mrs. Trotter, Karl Kreatour and the Zoo Crowd are all part of James nightmare.
Matron Nurse
The Matron Nurse runs the Painswick Orphanage, and you definitely get a sense she hasn’ t had a vacation in years. This is a great acting role for a young woman who can command a room.
Billy and Bobby Bobby-Cop
Billy and Bobby Bobby-Cop are a perfectly unified pair of cops working for Scotland Yard.
Garden Chorus
The Garden Chorus comes to life in Shake It Up as Ladahlord mixes a magical potion
Reporters
The Reporters, including Ida Walters, are on the scene just as the peach is becoming larger than life
Ladies
Bitsy Botana and the rest of the Ladies Garden Guild are in flowery frocks and hats, intent on having Spiker and Sponge give the keynote speech at their conference
Hollywood Agents
The Hollywood Agents, led by Buzz, jump in on the success of the growing peach with movie and Broadway deals for Spiker and Sponge.
Farm Animals, Willy Wonka And Oompa-Loompas
Farm Animals, Willy Wonka and Oompa-Loompas are all in harms way as the peach outgrows its stem and rolls towards the ocean. These are very fun cameo roles for performers with personality.
Angry Crowd
The Angry Crowd is in search of the amazing giant peach, but they quickly turn into an angry mob when the peach is nowhere to be found.
Cruise Ensemble
The Cruise Ensemble are various vacationers en route to New York with Spiker and Sponge. Use anyone from your ensemble to fill out the scene!
Sharks and Seagulls
New Yorkers
New Yorkers, including the Screaming Women, Lucille Van Kooglestein, Bunny Mackenzie The Third, Jake and Joe all witness the peach land directly on the Empire State Building and are sent into a panic!
Synopsis
Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach JR. is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way.