James and friends take a peachy ride in Franklin

A colorful songfest, a bloomer flagged sea-faring fruit, lessons on acceptance, bug crawly cuteness, insights on teamwork and overcoming toxicity through finding your own tribe and a scared, blind slitherer whose friends have their back are all part what is happening on stage at Franklin High School this week with the production of "James and The Giant Peach."

Students from Franklin and Rocky Grove have spent the last couple of months learning how to be singing bugs, perfecting evil step-sister type antagonists, and building a giant orange vessel surrounded by fake waves and floating clouds.

This week all that work comes to a dramatic conclusion in the form of a full-scale musical. 

"You can see this fun and zany story - one that’s perfect for the entire family - three times," said musical director Sarah Gilbert.

Shows will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Franklin High School auditorium. 

Ashton Shingledecker (FHS) plays the role of James Henry Trotter. 

His two cruel, and nasty aunts, Spiker & Sponge, are played by Madolyn Williams (FHS) and Kendal Fonzo (FHS). 

The insects James befriends along his journey are played by: 
Grasshopper - Kyel Harry (RGHS) 
Ladybug - Alexis McVay (FHS) 
Earthworm - Halle Curry (FHS) 
Centipede - Nate Boley (RGHS)
Spider - Cadence Collins (FHS).

Marcela Beverari will play the role of Ladahlord - a character who brings the magic to James' experiences. 
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Ensemble members of the cast are:

• Ella Bodien (FHS)
• Joslynn Davis (FHS)
• Quinlyn Karns (FHS)
• Alexis Rodemoyer (FHS)
• Marissa Rodgers (FHS)
• Andrew Schwab (RGHS),
• Madi Stewart (FHS)
• Hayleigh Walter (RGHS)
• Sydney Watts (FHS). 

The show is directed and choreographed by Sarah Gilbert.

Other members of the production team are Sarah Dawson, music direction; Darla Creighton, costumes; and Tim Gilbert, Darrellyn Freeman and Brian Creighton, set design.

Ticket are on sale online at https://our.show/jamesandthegiantpeachfhs. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students.  Tickets at the door are $14 for adults and  $10 for students.