Coleman & Co. take Du Quoin theater goers on an incredible journey

A magical peach! An imprisoned boy! Insect friends! An incredible journey!

"James and the Giant Peach" -- performed this weekend in the R.P. Hibbs Auditorium by director Lisa Coleman & Co. -- is about the amazing adventure of James Henry Trotter that will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape.

James and the Giant Peach is performed April 24, 25 & 26. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m. and the Sunday show at 3 p.m.

It is the theater department's only production this year as the cast and crew decided to put all of its eggs -- er, peaches -- in one basket.

"James and the Giant Peach" is a play -- not a musical -- as the department plans to rotate the kinds of productions it brings to the historic R.P. Hibbs stage. And, don't forget, the auditorium was completely renovated as part of the Du Quoin High School construction -- with comfortable seating and great sound and lighting. You won't be disappointed.

Roald Dahl's story comes hilariously to life in this delightful dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others, and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises.

You will see James (as he cleverly gets the Peach out of danger), the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper and the pessimistic Earthworm. You will also see James' mean Aunt Spiker and cruel Aunt Sponge come to a suitably sticky end. The action is tied together by the narrator, a storyteller, motivator, emcee and audience friend. Take advantage of the quick costuming, simple props and basic scenery to provide your cast and audience with an exciting, peachy adventure!

"A few things about our show: This has been the most complicated set my husband has constructed. The peach is over 30 feet around and 9 1/2 feet tall. The insects must climb 9 foot ladders to rest on top of the peach! When all the insects are in the peach, it requires 5 crew members to turn the peach on stage. The interior of the peach required over 30 yards of material," Mrs. Coleman said.