Mar 7, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Scooter MacMillan, marketing director
Springer Opera House
706-256-0955
smacmillan@springeroperahouse.org
Columbus, GA—3.7.2014: In a stroke of geographical and botanical scheduling genius, the State Theatre of the Peach State will present a play about a young man who gets himself into a real peach state.
On March 19, “James and the Giant Peach” opens in the McClure Theatre at the Springer.
Roald Dahl’s story of James and how he escapes his abusive aunts in a giant peach along with five buggy friends and a silly assortment of sharks, seagulls, cloud men, New Yorkers and a circus is the next production of the Springer Children’s Theatre.
It is told in a high energy style that features stilt walking, tumbling, car crashes, magical acts, square dancing and a snowball fight with the audience.
“This is Dahl at his theatrical best,” said Ron Anderson, the Springer associate artistic director and founder of the Springer Theatre Academy.
The show is suitable and entertaining for family audiences and school groups from first grade up, although it will hold the audiences of most kindergartners and many pre-schoolers, depending on their attention span.
“Length of attention span varies from child to child, but this is a wild and wacky show so it isn’t hard for most young people to stay attentive,” said Anderson. “In fact lots of adults and young adults will come to see this show without young children. People of all ages love Roald Dahl’s stories.”
Dahl's books includes “The BFG,” the adaptation of which has also been a big hit for the Springer Children’s Theatre. His other books include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda,” “The Witches” and “Fantastic Mr Fox,” all of which have seen major success as movies. The musical adaptation of “Matilda” is a major hit on the London and the Broadway stage.
During World War II, Dahl was in the British Information Service where he worked with Ian Fleming. Fleming was not only the author of the James Bond books, he also wrote the hit children’s book “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.”
Public performances of “James and the Giant Peach” are at 7 p.m., March 21, 22, 28, 29, and at 2 p.m., March 23 and 30. Entrance for the McClure Theatre is right behind the Springer on 1st Avenue. For tickets or more information call the Springer Box Office at 706-327-3688 or visit springeroperahouse.org.
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