Peachy Keen! Beloved Tale Takes the Stage

July 17, 2025

Take a magical journey with James and his insect friends aboard a giant peach! Palatine Theatre for Young Audiences (PTYA) proudly presents James and the Giant Peach at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center for four performances only: August 9 and 10 at 10:30am and 2:00pm. Tickets are $10 and available at cuttinghall.org. 

This all-ages production brings to life the tale of James Henry Trotter, a young boy who discovers courage, friendship, and the power of storytelling during an unforgettable adventure. Along the way, he learns that while some people are wicked, many are good—and most are just trying to figure it all out. 

Director Michael Clack, a high school Technical Director with 25 years of experience, says PTYA is a really fun opportunity for kids to come out and do a show, stressing the importance these programs have on young performers.    

Laney Haupert, the Cultural Arts Manager at the Park District, brought this program to Cutting Hall because she remembers the impact of seeing live theatre as a child. “That experience sparked a lifelong love of the arts, and a belief in the power of storytelling to shape who we are,” Haupert shared, remembering seeing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at 3 years old.   

With a cast of 13 young performers—some stepping onstage for the first time—the energy and enthusiasm are contagious. 

“It’s basically a playground of peach,” teased Caleb Scherr, who plays Centipede, hinting at the creative set design. 

Without spoiling the show, Clack shared that the scenic design and lighting crew is working on very cool elements that will bring the show to life. “I think people will be surprised by the quality of show,” Clack said. “It’s exciting and fun.”   

Stage Manager Charlie O’Connor, a youth theatre alum herself, is thrilled to help bring PTYA to Palatine: 

“We weren’t expecting the show to take off the way it has. These kids are working so hard—some are even commuting over an hour—and the result is something really special.” 

We asked the cast why people should come to the show, and here’s what they had to say: 

• Emmet Kaiser (James): “Oh, because I believe if I’m in it you know…I gotta take some credit.” Kaiser laughed. “But I think they’ll really like it.” 

• Veronica Ruvinskiy (Aunt Sponge): “Everyone’s been working so hard—on stage and behind the scenes. I can’t wait to see the set!   

• Tanner Geisler (Grasshopper): “People should see the show because my accent is amazing.” 

• Margaret Rose Smolka (Earthworm): “It’s really fun and humorous!” 

• Tatiana Pinzon (Lady Bug): “There are too many funny lines—it’s really entertaining.” 

• Delfina Smolka (Spider): “Because it’s really funny and there’s a lot of fast movement.” 

• Ingrid Akerstrom (Glow-worm): “We’ve put so much time into this—it’s a really fun show and people will love it.” 

Whether you’re a fan of Roald Dahl or just looking for a fun, affordable outing this summer, James and the Giant Peach promises laughter, wonder, and maybe even a little magic.