Only one play includes a man-eating rhinoceros, a group of five distinct insects, an oversized peach, and a young, orphaned boy. Episcopal Academy's Domino Club put on an exceptional production of James and the Giant Peach this past Friday in their Ridgway Blackbox Theatre.

This play was based off of the 1961 children's book written by Roald Dahl, and turned into a movie in 1996. James, orphaned after his parents are eaten by a rhinoceros, soon moves in with his harsh Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. It is in their very backyard that a magical peach begins to grow, which James curiously climbs into through a hole in the top. Inside the peach he befriends many insects, including a grasshopper, centipede, spider, ladybug, and earthworm.

Episcopal Academy's process-oriented production was extremely well done, anchored by the developed characters and level of creativity. Although some scene transitions were flawed, the chemistry onstage between the nineteen cast members kept the audience interested; laughing or listening intently to every line.

The Narrator (Jeff Familetti) was not lost once throughout his many scenes. Whether he was delivering a line or watching other characters take the spotlight, his charm and charisma never faltered. The ensemble of insects each embodied an original portrayal of their classical characters. Instead of depicting the grasshopper as a violin player, Ben Mascioli brought his own talents of guitar and composition to the stage, writing songs to match Dahl's rhythmic words. The Centipede, (Mac Lee) and the Earthworm (Sean Purcell) bickered all though the play, providing one set of comic relief. The other came from the family members of the innocent James, played by John Nickolas. Aunt Sponge (Nyazia Brittany Martin) and Aunt Spiker (Angira Pickens) were an ideal comedic duo with unfailing energy that brought much excitement to their characters.

The technical aspects of James and the Giant Peach were successful from all outlooks. The insect costumes, in particular, stood out. The Centipede wore an overcoat covered with old boots and shoelaces hanging from all sides, while the ladybug sported red, white, and black from her every layer. All props were used in an artistic manner, making use of ladders to incorporate important effects such as trees and branches.

Overall, James and the Giant Peach at Episcopal was an outstanding production. From a close-call encounter on the Atlantic Ocean to the top of the Empire State Building, this play swept through a high-flying journey that no audience member will forget.