TheatriKids’s fifth Stage Buddies production launches a journey of enormous proportions
Directed by Eden Fahy
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way.
Adapted for young performers, and directed by Flagstaff High School junior Eden Fahy, this production promises to bring to life one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories. The music and lyrics are by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, book by Timothy Allen McDonald. Musical direction is provided by Morgan Allen with choreography by Robin Tittelbaugh.
Fahy directs 30 local youths in this year’s production and is eager to direct her second Stage Buddies production. “It’s incredibly rewarding to direct local youth and to see their skills and their friendships blossom,” Fahy said.
The impactful Stage Buddies program is in its fifth year and was created by former Coconino High School student Areya Kugler—a feat which earned her a Viola Award in the Emerging Artist category. In this abilities-inclusive program, actors with disabilities are paired with experienced middle and high school acting “buddies” to share a role in the play.
Performances will be held Friday and Saturday Nov. 1 and 2 at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. Individual tickets are $12 plus applicable fees.
Tickets can be purchased online; by calling (928) 774-1662; or by visiting the theater’s box office, open from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and two hours prior to each performance.
For nearly 50 years, Theatrikos Theater Company, an award-winning non-profit theatre, has grown into a leading community arts organization. Located in the Doris Harper-White Community Playhouse in historic downtown Flagstaff, the theatre proudly offers nearly 70 performances of classic and new plays, musicals, and youth productions.
TheatriKids, the educational theatre program of Theatrikos, strives to foster a mastery and lifelong love of the performing arts and is open to all area youth year-round. For the past 12 years, students have learned theatre skills, including acting, voice, dialects, character development, and basic stagecraft. Our young participants gain increased self-esteem and poise and are often inspired to continue their theatre education. Through this program, youth are provided opportunities to participate in full-scale productions as well as summer camps and workshops. Scholarships are available.