WCHS "James and the Giant Peach" Production Set For Nov. 21-23

Fans of a good adventure story will enjoy the Watford City High School theatre program's presentation of "James and the Giant Peach", Nov. 21-23 at the Watford City High School auditorium. Public performance times are 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 21-23. There is also a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Before this matinee, you can bring the whole family to a "Peach Party" on Saturday at 1 p.m. to see the cast in costume, enjoy some food, and do some fun crafts and activities before you attend the performance. There is no charge to attend any performance, but a free-will offering would be appreciated.

Theatre Director Travis Barnes is excited for this year's production, which is his 9th production since becoming director. He's assisted by Leslie Mans, and the Choral Director Anna Schwartz. With 30 high school students and 10 middle schoolers, it is his biggest production yet! It has the most costumes, lights, props, and dancing of any show they've done. "It's a big production," he emphasized.

The group performed for the 3rd-5th graders from Fox Hills Elementary on Nov. 18, 3rd-5th graders from Badlands Elementary on Nov. 19 and held a one-hour assembly for K-2nd graders at Fox Hills on Nov. 20. They're more than ready to perform for you at one or more of the public showings.

"James and the Giant Peach", written by Roald Dahl, who also wrote "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", among others, tells the tale of James, a young orphan boy who is being raised by terrible aunts who mistreat him. One day, he meets a magical man who helps him create a potion that causes the peach in the tree in his aunt's backyard to grow to a giant size, along with the insects inside. The boy and his new insect friends take an adventure-filled ride across the ocean to New York City, where James ends up living a happy and free life.

Music for the production was written by talented songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who have earned a Tony award, an Oscar and a Golden Globe for their work.

Plan to attend a performance or two and show your appreciation for all the talented kids and the hard work they have done to make the show great.