Ishpeming Middle School is making history this February with its first-ever theater production, "James and the Giant Peach Jr." The musical will be performed on February 7th and 8th, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life through the talents of a 50-member student cast and additional backstage crew.
Recently, producer and director Caitlin Palomaki, along with two lead performers, Asa Kakkuri and Blake Sullivan, joined us to share insights into the production process, their experiences, and what audiences can expect from this exciting performance.
For those unfamiliar with "James and the Giant Peach," Palomaki summarized the story: “James is an orphan who is sent to live with his two aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Unfortunately, they’re not the kindest guardians. One day, he meets a magical figure named Ladahlord, who creates a potion that transforms a peach into a giant, magical vessel. James finds himself inside the peach, joined by an ensemble of lively, talking insects who become his new family as they embark on an extraordinary adventure.”
When selecting a production for the school’s inaugural musical, Palomaki sought a show that would accommodate a large cast while still being manageable. “I’ve been in "James and the Giant Peach" before, and when I saw it among the junior productions, I started thinking about it. It’s got a great story and a really good soundtrack,” she explained.
Find out more about "James and the Giant Peach Jr." from Music Theatre International
Blake, who plays Ladahlord, described the character as “a narrator/wizard who pops in and out of the story in different forms.” Although he had never acted or sung on stage before, he found the experience surprisingly natural. “I was fairly surprised about how easy it was to remember stuff. I thought it was going to be a lot.”
Asa, portraying James, shared his experience, having only done school concerts before: “I go over my stuff every night. I’ve been working on changing my voice and expressions (to bring James to life).”
Both young actors emphasized the supportive atmosphere among the cast, checking in on each other regarding progress with lines and music.
With this being Ishpeming Middle School’s first foray into theater, Palomaki aimed to create a visually striking yet manageable production. “Our set is minimal, with a strong focus on the peach itself. It’s almost like a pop-up storybook, with students physically creating elements like waves, clouds, and even sharks using puppetry. It’s still a visual feast, but in a way that works within our timeframe.”
Beyond the set design, the biggest challenge has been introducing students to the fundamentals of theater. “Many didn’t know terms like ‘cheating out’ or the difference between stage left and right. It’s been incredible watching them absorb these lessons so quickly and grow with every rehearsal.”
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's conversation with Caitlin, Asa, and Blake:
Palomaki believes that theater has a unique ability to build creativity and teamwork in young students. “I’ve seen kids come out of their shells, dancing even when they’re not on stage. They know each other’s lines and help one another. Unlike other activities, theater removes cliques—everyone is working toward the same goal, creating something together. It’s magical.”
Blake and Asa are both eager to take the stage. “I think the most exciting thing is to see how surprised people are going to be, I’m sure a lot of people going into this are going to be like, oh, they’re middle schoolers. It’s not going to be that good, but they’ll be surprised how good it’s going to be.” Blake said. Asa added that he’s excited to show off how “distinct this play is and all of its special features.”
Performances of "James and the Giant Peach Jr." will take place at the W.C. Peterson Auditorium in Ishpeming on February 7th at 7:00 pm and February 8th at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase at the high school office during school hours and will also be sold at the door one hour before showtime.
