Roald Dahl’s iconic novel has come to life in Musical Theatre Village’s full-length production of James and the Giant Peach. The show opened in September and runs through Sunday, October 13.

James and the Giant Peach takes on the story of the eponymous young boy who lost his parents and is forced to live with his two wicked aunts. James then meets a mysterious man named Ladahlord who gives him a special potion that will lead him to a better life away from his abusive home. But after an accidental spill, a peach suddenly grows-and grows-and grows- into the size of a house! And when James tunnels his way inside the peach, he makes friends with a bunch of talking bugs as they all go on one exciting adventure.

(Courtesy of Musical Theatre Village)

The show is directed by Holly Jones, who’s been involved with MTV as a director and performer since 2015. She’s directed several other shows with MTV, including Little Shop of Horrors, Godspell and The Pirates of Penzance. James and the Giant Peach is a special show for Jones because it explores a number of different themes. “The exploration of the inner courage that can be found in each of us, regardless of our age or background,” Jones said. “Themes of friendship, hope, loss, rebellion, transformation and especially family, and how we can find family all around us, are all powerful messages found in the show. They speak to us individually and collectively — and the voyage we find ourselves on as we navigate this journey called life.”

James became a well-known character in pop culture, not just because of his heartwarming story, but because of his ability to stay strong after dealing with so many hardships. While he has strength within, it’s also the friendship he shares with his bug companions who help him find his path. “At first, [James] frequently doubts that his ideas and his voice carries any meaning, but it’s through his interactions with these strange creatures who become his true family, that he comes to find his voice and realize that he has something he can give them, and they have something they can give him,” Jones said. “They all learn how to love one another unconditionally. I think that’s such an important theme for young people especially to hear. Everyone has a voice and has something to give. We all just have to be in tune to hear it.”

(Courtesy of Musical Theater Village)

When audience members see this show, Jones wants them to find themselves transported away into another world and swept through magic. And with a show all about magic, what more could be asked? “It may seem sappy, but deep down I believe we all can make a difference,” the director said. “It’s not about the size of the difference. It’s not about whether we think we’re doing something monumental, but more about trying each day to be a little better and trying a little harder to make the world what we truly want it to be. It’s about starting where we’re at and making effort to do better and be better. And sometimes we may not think, like James, that what we say or do matters to anyone else — but it can and it does. And when we find those we can connect with and who become family to us, that’s a tremendous gift and something we should share.”

MTV has a unique approach when it comes to casting actors. Instead of deciding on one actor for each role, approximately four actors can share the same role. So depending on which night audiences decide to go to, it may not be the same actor that other audience members saw. But each performer holds a dear place in Jones’s heart and she couldn’t be more thrilled with the story they’re sharing. “[The cast members] make me laugh out loud, they make me cry, and when they are on stage and giving out great energy, it makes me so happy. It’s a joy to run each show and see the heart and passion and talent that radiates from this cast. I would hope audiences come and find moments that speak to them and then share those with the cast following each show. Audience members can immediately talk to the cast following each performance, and for a performer to hear directly from an audience member something that was meaningful to those who watched the show, that’s an incredible gift!”

The show’s set was designed by assistant director Rebecca Rubino. The set was built by David Pace, Bill Hays and a number of volunteers. The costumes were designed by Kelly Werthmuller, who made “steam-punk” looks for the insects. Jones couldn’t be more grateful to work in a community that is all about inspiration and working together.

“The MTV family is truly an amazing group of people that come together for six shows a year to produce family-friendly, meaningful productions. Not everyone does every show each year, but so often, people come back again and again. And why? Because ultimately it’s a place where people very much feel the sentiment expressed at the end of James — ‘Welcome Home!’”

Tickets for James and the Giant Peach can be purchased a musicaltheatrevillage.net.

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