James and the Giant Peach

There are many ways to get involved with productions in addition to the stage, including behind the curtains. Scholars who are interested in becoming a tech crew member have to get selected by Ms. Katie Corrie, OS Theatre Director. Once chosen, members learn about lighting, sound, choreography, props, set changes and how to run a show smoothly. 

Within tech, the many responsibilities are distributed to the members. Scholars who have experience with being in tech are considered for the higher positions such as stage manager, assistant stage manager and crew chief. For the elementary and middle school play, “James and the Giant Peach,” 11 high school and middle school thespians were chosen to work tech for the show.

Giia Alvarez, the show’s crew chief, said she believed she could grow from being behind the stage after starring on the stage for middle school. Despite it being her first time joining the tech crew, Alvarez was chosen as crew chief. Alvarez said she leads the young actors with grace.

“I always try to make sure to address things in a calm manner, which will help me in the future,” Alvarez said. 

Assistant stage manager of choreography Isabella Morales has participated in more than 10 productions and three thespian one-acts. She participated in tech for “Madagascar Jr.” and “Peter Pan,” but this is her first time as an assistant stage manager. Morales said she has learned important skills in preparation for the show.

“I have learned how to notate dances, how to better manage kids and also how to properly move sets and assign positions to other backstage crew members,” Morales said. “I have gained a lot of management skills that will enable me to properly take care of situations.”

Similarly to Morales, Nate Huckabee, stage right tech crew member, said he takes part in every acting event and performance he can. Huckabee said he was interested in tech because of how tech members treated him as an actor during his shows.

“From this production, I’m learning how important teamwork and communication are because every part of tech needs to connect to the success of the show,” Huckabee said. “In the real world, this teaches me to work under pressure, work with others and also the importance of trying new things and meeting new people.” 

Even those who have never been a part of theatre at One School still get drawn to the extravagance and details of the costumes and set designs.

Scholars who have never been involved in theatre joined the tech team for “James and the Giant Peach.” Xavier Degracia, a ninth grade scholar who attended performances, desired to be more involved. Degracia said being in tech has taught him how to be organized and proactive backstage.

“I think that it taught me that I have to be cognizant and I have to be awake,” Degracia said. “If I’m just asleep backstage left, things will fall apart; you have to be proactive.”

Though the audience sees the actors shining bright on stage while they are performing, the tech crew makes sure that the performers have everything they need. Without the tech crew members, the performance would not be able to happen. Tech crew members leave their experience with teamwork, leadership and responsibility which becomes the skills that lay the foundation for every part of their life.

Charlotte Drake, the stage manager of “James and the Giant Peach,” said she is using this experience to strengthen her abilities. Drake said she is drawn to the busy practices because that is where she learns the most.

 “I’m really learning how to lead this year when stage managing ‘James and the Giant Peach,’” Drake said. “As vice president of our thespian troupe this year, one of my biggest worries was my leadership skills. But, doing ‘James and the Giant Peach’ has helped me realize I can be a good leader, which I needed.”

James and the Giant Peach, written by Roald Dahl and adapted for the stage by Timothy Allen McDonald with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is a challenging show. The protagonist, James Trotter, is on stage almost the entire time, carrying the weight of the story on his shoulders. This makes the role particularly demanding for a young actor. Taking this into account, Katie Corrie, lead director and head of the production, chose to double-cast the role, splitting it between two scholars.

James and the Giant Peach follows the journey of James Henry Trotter, a young orphan who is taken in by his cruel Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge. After a mix-up with Ladahlord, a mysterious character with a peculiar vocabulary, James discovers a giant peach. Inside, he befriends a group of eccentric insects. Together, they embark on a magical adventure, forming a lasting bond of family along the way.

This year’s production marks the first double-cast middle school performance in One School Theatre. Both young actors stepping into James’s shoes bring unique energy and interpretation to the role.

Both scholars bring James Trotter to life in distinctly different ways, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by their peers.

“I definitely expected to see what I saw today from both Leah and Dylan. They are very different actors, but they’re both doing an amazing job in their own ways,” said Nate Huckabee, a sophomore who runs tech for the show. “Being the lead in a show puts a huge responsibility on you, so your energy matters to all the cast.”

Excitement continues to build among the One School community.

“I’ve heard great things about this production and that a lot of work has been put into it,” said Cali Hall, a junior who participated in theatre last year and is an active member of the senior thespian troupe. “I worked with Leah and Dylan in Madagascar, and I’m really excited to see them both in a bigger role.”

With two talented young performers sharing the spotlight, this production of James and the Giant Peach promises not only the magic of Dahl’s story but also a celebration of collaboration, friendship, and the spirit of One School Theatre.