‘James and the Giant Peach’ coming to ETSU

Performances run November 16-19

Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach” has captivated audiences for generations.

And East Tennessee State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is bringing the production to the Appalachian Highlands later this year.

“‘James and the Giant Peach’ is a musical for the whole family to enjoy,” said Cara Harker, director, as well as a professor and associate chair of the department. “Through music, dance, puppetry and more, this story celebrates the lasting bonds of friendship where everyone, be it human or insect, finds the love they so richly deserve.”

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 16-18, and at 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 18-19. All performances happen at the Bert C. Bach Theatre in the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. 

The cast, starring ETSU students, includes: Molly Blackburn as James, Cal Blagg as Earthworm, Grayson Buchanan as Spider/Dance Captain, Stephen Cradic as Lahdalord, Natalie Duncan as Ladybug, Lindsay Flewell as Spiker, Jonah Harris-Furches as Grasshopper, Charles Landry as Centipede, and Katie Thorpe as Sponge. 

The ensemble is made up of Flynn Anderson, Gracee DeJarnette, Max Fleming, Katie Greene, Shelby Keller, Ellise Parman, Kas Reeves, Christina Ward, Skylar Zaugg and Olivia Zimanek.
Harker is the show’s director and choreographer. 

The rest of the production team is comprised of Karen Brewster, producer; Natasha Carpenter, assistant lighting designer; Brad Fugate, music director; Kyla Jernigan, costume designer; Victoria Keller, accompanist; Zach Olsen, technical director/sound designer; Jessica Richardson, costumes; Sarabeth Roberts, assistant sound designer; Emily Russell, assistant stage manager; Melissa Shafer, lighting designer; Beth Skinner, costume director; Savannah Spangler, props designer/puppet master; Matt Stevens, assistant technical director; Jonathon Taylor, scenic designer; and Rebekah Williams, stage manager.

Making up the band is Wesley Bratton, drums; Glenn Diamond, bass; Michael Jones, viola; David Kovac, violin; Joshua Kovac, cello; and Marcus Pack, violin.

For tickets, visit this site.

ETSU is home to a thriving arts community, and the Department of Theatre and Dance is a tremendous source of creative energy and entertainment in the Appalachian Highlands. 

“We expect these performances to sell out quickly, so get your tickets as soon as possible,” said Harker. 

“James and the Giant Peach” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 

For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.

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East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.