On Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Auditorium, the Lipscomb’s Theatre Department will be opening their performance of the childhood favorite, James and the Giant Peach. The children’s production will be coming to life in a unique fashion, as the stage will be designed like a giant pop-up book.
The department decided to put on this particular show last spring. To ensure the performance’s success, everyone has been working to prepare since they got back to the university after Christmas Break.
Deb Holloway, the director of the show, has been thinking/dreaming about this production for about 9 months. She said that the show’s goal is to benefit those in the audience, as well as those on stage.
“Our first goal is to entertain children, which includes special school performances February 14 and 15 at 10:00 a.m., and our second goal is to train our students, whether it’s performing or working in the technical aspects.” Holloway said. “I think Jesus sets the example of wanting children to come to Him, and that’s what we are trying to do also.”
Holloway noted that the play reaches a wide audience, whether it be families with small children or students right here on campus.
“James and the Giant Peach will be a great presentation for the entire family to enjoy, but it also will be appreciated by college kids,” Holloway said. “James and the Giant Peach was a great choice since not only is it a very popular play, but it also is a story and movie that college age kids grew up with.”
Taylor Browning, a theatre major, is the mother and the second officer (sailor) in the play.
“I’m a huge kid, anything Disney or Pixar appeals to me,” Browning said. “I have fallen in love with being a part of the children’s play. I’m very excited about how big we can be on stage. Children’s plays need things such as talking insects to make your imagination come to life. It’s such a great experience to get to do on stage.”
Holloway said she’s excited to see the show’s original choreography.
“I’m most excited about the 5 original dances in the show. All the dances have been choreographed by the Lipscomb dance and theatre department. We end the play with a big dance that everyone is involved with. It’s a tradition,” Holloway said.
Browning said the play’s finale will be one to watch.
“It’s so hard to just pick one [scene], but I love the very end when James and the insects become heroes in New York,” Browning said. “It’s a very vibrant and fun scene.”
Opening night is on Valentine’s Day, and there will be red carnations on sale for all the special dates.
After each performance, there will be a big peach in the lobby, and families can get pictures with their favorite character and the peach.
The showtimes are Feb. 14, 15 and 16 at 7:00 p.m., Feb. 14 and 15 at 10 a.m. (special school performances) and Feb. 17 at 2:30 p.m.