SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cuesta College’s nationally acclaimed Drama Department invites audiences to experience the magic of James and the Giant Peach, a charming production based on Roald Dahl’s beloved story. The show runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 19 at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center’s Experimental Theater.
Several performances are already sold out, but limited tickets remain for the following dates:
- Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Adapted for the stage by David Wood and co-directed by Cash Costango and Kasady Riley, the play follows young James Henry Trotter who discovers that a bit of magic can take you a long way. After the tragic loss of his parents, James is sent to live with his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge. When a few magical crystals cause an ordinary peach to grow an enormous size, James embarks on an unforgettable adventure with an enchanting cast of insect friends: Centipede, Earthworm, Green Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Miss Spider.
“This production is a wickedly funny delight that will keep audiences aged 5 to 95 grinning from ear to ear,” said bree valle, director of the theatre program at Cuesta College.
For the co-directors, the show is not just a celebration of imagination and teamwork, but also an opportunity to share the joy of theatre with young audiences.
“Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) is incredibly important,” said Costango. “It serves as an introduction to the arts and its potential. Youth theatre can teach valuable life lessons, provide new perspectives, and invite a little magic into our reality.”
"There is a reason we call them plays,” added Riley. “It’s about inspiring imagination and reminding us all, regardless of our age, to play, create, and view the world with wonder.”
General admission tickets are $25, student tickets are $20, and children 12 and under can attend for FREE (reservations are required). Tickets may be purchased and reserved at tickets.cuesta.edu or by calling the box office at (805) 546-3198. Early booking is encouraged as remaining performances are expected to sell out quickly.