By Nida Merchant
Before the North Gwinnett Players could open the curtains, the audience stood in a standing ovation as Choreographer and Director Angie Owens handed the stage to Zoe Wallace. Wallace (senior), Student Director, tearfully introduced us to Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach!
The story begins with Ladahlord (Sofia Ruiz, junior) introducing us to the main character, James (Rachel Spooner, freshman), who lost his parents in a tragic accident and is now living in an orphanage. When James gets in contact with his only living family Spiker (Ciara Butler, senior) and Sponge (Mikayla Payiatos, sophomore) their only concern with the boy is to collect their weekly cheque.
Dejected and distressed, James finds Ladahlord where he discovers a magic potion that transforms the fruit tree in his backyard into a giant peach and finds himself and five other life-sized insects floating in the ocean! Ladybug (Christina Shin, junior), Spider (Caroline Brubaker, freshman), Earthworm (Ethan Kim, junior), Centipede (Ari Kassatly, junior), Grasshopper (Liam Loudermilk, senior) and James follow an adventure facing many obstacles desperate to reach land!
Students were in awe as the choreography and performances of each actor came to life like no other. Each character, no matter the size, fulfilled their role with such enthusiasm and confidence. Their passion and dedication was highlighted in each song and was a sight to see as they bowed to a finale.
Zoe Wallace gave me an embrace and was absolutely delighted at the opportunity she had to direct this play. “These students that I knew from a distance last semester became my own family these past few months as we learned and grew together. It was the perfect way to end my theatre adventure with North Gwinnett,” Wallace concluded as she proudly walked on stage.
