James and the Giant Peach- review
Jane Zussman
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
By T.E. Klunzinger
Riverwalk’s “James and the Giant Peach” is certainly a fun, feel-good family musical which is something in woefully short supply these days. It’s a delightful way to finish up the theater season which, although it’s child-friendly, is still sly enough to appeal to adults.
It’s hardly a spoiler to say that as the show starts, James (Nicholas Pasko) parents are killed by a rhinoceros and he is sent to live with two terrible aunts. He does, however, have a sort of guardian angel in Ladahlord (Luka Pawsek) who gives him a magic potion meant to taken orally but which gets dumped on the old peach tree in the backyard from which a great adventure ensues.
It's worth noting that the pleasantly tuneful score is by the Oscar-winning Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who a few years later would go to create the scores for the films “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.” (The actual “live” music is provided via a recording from the publisher which is often the case these days.)
Young Mr. Pasko (age 12) is excellent as James, and for a magical moment during the song “Middle of a Moment” he “takes the stage,” showing that he is truly a star in the making. Pawsek complements him with the right amount of swagger and mystery.
Among the larger-than-life insects who become James’ new “family in the second act, Riley Hiraj stands out as the lowly earthworm who rises to heroism, ably assisted by Brian Farnham, Ava Taube, Sophia Bernard and Garrett Manor as other family members.
Last but not least among the principals are Holly Kay-Cannon and Joyce Kramer-Cox as the hilariously awful aunts who leave the audience cheering at their demise.
The set, costumes and choreography are simple and sincere, while the possibly-cumbersome giant peach ends up as a very cozy dwelling place for many of the characters we’ve grown to embrace.
But why take my word for it? You can experience this Peach-y wonderland yourself, now at Riverwalk through May 26. Shows at 7, not the usual 8 - plus the usual 2pm Sundays. Tickets at www.riverwalktheatre.com - 517-482-5700
P.S. Jane says: Learn more about the remarkable puppets built for this show by Adam Carlson in this LSJ article: https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/life/2024/05/16/puppets-riverwalk-theatre-adam-carlson-james-and-the-giant-peach/73669984007/
Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre