A magical peach, a clever boy and quirky insect companions are bound together for adventure in “James and the Giant Peach,” the Pullman Civic Theatre show opening Friday at the Gladish Community Center in Pullman.
The play is based on Roald Dahl’s classic tale, “James and the Giant Peach,” where James escapes his cruel aunts, finding himself inside of a giant, magical peach. There, he encounters a number of human-sized insects, each with distinct -- and sometimes opposite -- personalities. When the peach falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, James and the group have to think creatively and work together to survive, finding adventure, friendship and freedom along the way.
Though not a musical, the play brings in musical elements, including drumming, a violin-playing grasshopper and rhythmic sounds of phrase and rhyme, said Kami Cornwall, the theater’s media manager.
As is typical with the theater’s summer show, the production is dominated by children. You’ll see 4-year-olds sharks and seagulls when the peach lands in the ocean, on up to high school students, who take on more complex roles. A handful of adults round out the cast, said Cornwall.
“They’re having a great time with it,” Cornwall said. “Theater itself is a playful thing -- it’s playtime, but it has a result.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: “James and the Giant Peach” by Pullman Civic Theatre
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and July 13-15, 2 p.m. Sunday and July 16
WHERE: Gladish Community Center, 115 N.W. State St., Pullman
COST: $12 regular admission, $10 matinees
Tickets at pullmancivictheatre.org/tickets or by calling (509) 332-8406
