College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University

September 13, 2005
ISU Theatre production of "James and the Giant Peach" isn't typical children's theatre
Children's theatre isn't a license to do bad theatre according to Sarah Zwick-Tapley.

"There's nothing I hate more about children's theatre than dialogue like "'Gee, Mr. Butterfly,'" says the Iowa State University faculty member.

Audience members attending ISU Theatre's production of "James and the Giant Peach" this September and October shouldn't expect a "dumbed-down" version of the classic Roald Dahl children's book.

"Dahl doesn't talk down to kids or adults," said Zwick-Tapley, the play's director. "Whatever you think of children's theatre this isn't it."

The story of a boy who dreams of escape from his life and his fearsome aunts, "James and the Giant Peach" will be performed by ISU Theatre Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Theater. Sunday matinees will be held at 2 p.m., Oct. 2 and 9.

"There are themes in the play that everyone faces - loneliness, isolation, being different," Zwick-Tapley said. "It makes you appreciate differences and diversity."

The production will also feature the first time ISU Theatre has used a "viewpoints" style of theatre.

Traditionally, acting explores psychological relationships. "Viewpoints" looks at the aesthetic relationships within a production.

"‘Viewpoints' teaches actors how to be design elements including space, shape, gestures, tempo and architecture," Zwick-Tapley said. "The show really becomes this visual feast."

The ISU Theatre production of "James and the Giant Peach" also contains multimedia elements, shadow puppets and marionettes.

"When you are doing children's theatre, you really need to make it a visual bonanza," Zwick-Tapley said. "This is the video generation, a group that has a short attention span."

Guest artist Adam Cederlind of Lincoln, Neb., is the sound designer for the production. Some of the music he is composing will be created from non-traditional instruments.

The cast features Brendan Dunphy as James, Other cast members include Nate Thurston, Andrew Schmeisser, Julie Graves, Amber Newman, Rachael Rhoades, Veronica Skaar, Laurel Krause, Bill Mort, Laura Williams, Matt Bridges, Brendan Dunphy, Jaye Anderson, Clayton Johnson, Natalia Stoupakova, Thomas Cahill, Marianna Seda, Nate Zobel, Michael Rubke, and Jordan Whalen.

Tickets are $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students. Tickets are available at all TicketMaster locations and the Iowa State Center Ticket Office. tickets are available at the Iowa State Center Ticket office at 515-294-3347.