November 8th, 2019 - 7:00 pm
Join Clear Space Theatre’s Spotlight on Young Performers troupe as it presents JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, with music by Barry Pasek and Justin Paul. Opening on Friday, November 8, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH is the tale of a boy, a magic potion, and the insects he befriends. Plus, of course, the giant peach, which serves as both boat and food source as James and his insect friends flee James’ conniving aunts.
Featuring Lena Bellistri (James), the fully-staged production is the culmination of the fall term of the Spotlight on Young Performers class.
Says Bellistri, “What I like most about the show is the storyline. I really like the movie, and the show keeps the same plot and is mostly the same story.” She adds, “I really love the songs I sing with the insects – that’s probably my favorite part of getting to play James. I also enjoy getting to work with some of the older kids in the Spotlight class.”
But there are challenges as well: “I’m constantly on stage in this role! Sometimes it can be difficult not to have a break. But it’s a good kind of challenge.”
Bellistri has been a long-time student at Clear Space Theatre’s Performing Arts Institute, having participated in both Broadway Bound and, since 2016, in Spotlight on Young Performers. That’s translated into a good deal of time on stage; Bellistri notes that she has done six main stage shows and has appeared in some of the children’s theatre shows in the summer. This is her fifth show with the Spotlight troupe.
Of her experience with the Arts Institute, Bellistri says, “I’ve learned a lot in the programs, including valuable social skills. I’m much more outgoing now and am no longer very shy. And I’ve become really close to my Spotlight friends; they’re like family.”
Sponsored by Fins Hospitality Group, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH runs November 8-10, with Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinee performances at 3:00 pm. There also is a performance on Friday at 11:00 am. Tickets for all shows are $17, and may be purchased on-line at www.clearspacetheatre.org, or by calling the box office at 302-227-2270.
PRESENTED BY THE SPOTLIGHT ON YOUNG PERFORMERS
ALL SEATS $17
Sponsored by FINS Hospitality Group
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
CAST
JAMES………………………………………………………...…………… Lena Bellistri
LADAHLORD…….……………………………..………………………… Grace Morris
SPIKER……………………………………………………………………. Trista Harner
SPONGE……………………………………...……………………………… Julia Sturla
GRASSHOPPER………………………………………..…………………. Gavin Conner
LADYBUG………………………………………….…………………….. Keavy Rhodes
CENTIPEDE……………………………………..……………………… Daphne Branner
EARTHWORM……………………………………………………………. Dylan Phillips
SPIDER………………………………..…………………………………… Allison Mack
Matron Nurse/Ida Walters/Bunny Mackenzie/SEAGULL…Mackenzie Schmidt
Karl Kreatour………………...…………………………………… Emma Birrittella
Mrs. Trotter/Willy Wonka……….……………………..……. Rachel (Kris) Bard
Mr. Trotter/Vagrant Soloist……….…………………………… Kate Slaysman
Bobby Bobby-Cop/Buzz/Lucille Van Kooglestein……..…… Jasmine Schaeffer
Billy Bobby-Cop/Bitsy Botana/Vagrant Soloist/SEAGULL.... Abby Whitcomb
Oompa Loompas... Stella Carmen. John Roman Nehrbas, Olivia Nehrbas, Chase Reynolds
Jake……………………….……………………………………………. Chase Reynolds
Joe/SEGULLL.……………………………………………………………. Mack Lawson
SEAGULL………………………………………………………………...Alex DeEmedio
Open by audition only, Spotlight on Young Performers is designed for advanced young performers in grades 4-12. Classes meet every Saturday from 11:00 am till 3:00 pm; scholarships are available. Auditions for the Spring 2020 term (show: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL) will be held on December 14 at 11:00 a.m. Visit the Clear Space website (www.clearspacetheatre.org) for more information.