Theatre review: CTORA conjures Roald Dahl’s playful magic in James and the Giant Peach
Imaginative puppetry and powerhouse performances embody the wicked wit and heartfelt emotion of a classic children’s tale
CTORA Productions’ James and the Giant Peach. Photo by Canna Zhou
CTORA Productions presents James and the Giant Peach at the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre to November 9
FOR GENERATIONS, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach has enchanted children around the world with its magical, larger-than-life tale. CTORA’s production of the musical version captures that same whimsical grandeur, bringing the story and characters vividly to life through creative staging, clever puppetry, imaginative costumes, and top-notch performances. It’s a show that sparks the imagination, impresses with theatrical “magic”, and speaks to the heart with its sincere message.
Under the direction of Chris Lam, this production brims with creativity. A unique concept frames the show: a pack of actors, the Frobscottle Theatre Guild, performs from their travelling caravan—a nod to Dahl fans, who will recognize the Frobscottle reference from The BFG. Before the performance begins, the actors interact with the audience, immediately setting the quirky, playful tone so characteristic of Dahl’s stories. Led by the enigmatic Ladahlord (Jonathan Gagné), the troupe introduces James during the opening number, “Right Before Your Eyes”. At the performance reviewed, Quinlan McDonald starred as James (he alternates with Ryder Macinnes). Upon his entrance, McDonald commanded the attention of the entire theatre with his luminous smile and enthusiasm.
From there, we see James’s adventures unfold through Lam’s imaginative staging and many clever theatrical elements. Amica Pasquale’s puppetry and props turn simple materials into dynamic storytelling tools. A blanket and lights transform two actors into the rhinoceros who tragically kills James’s parents. And when James is sent to live with his evil aunts, Spiker and Sponge—played by the wicked duo of Kyrst Hogan and Julia Eckert—we see the pair arrive in a “car”, achieved through the use of a trunk, an umbrella, and very committed actors.
In true children’s-theatre fashion, everything is delightfully over-the-top. McDonald radiates heartbreaking innocence, while Hogan and Eckert exude delicious evilness. When James meets his insect friends—Ladybug, Spider, Grasshopper, Centipede, and Earthworm—they initially appear as hand-held puppets manipulated by Paula Higgins, Jennie Grenelle, Blake Sartin, Terrence Zhou, and Colton Avery Fyfe. But as the insects grow to human size, the actors fully embody their characters with playful humour and distinct characteristics.
Starlynn Chen’s costume design adds to the fun, giving Spider a personified “Black Widow” look adorned in black lace. Ladybug has a “lady-like” look complete with a spotted fascinator, and Centipede is given an endless array of mini legs attached to his costume. As for the show’s secondary star—the giant peach—scenic designer Brian Ball brings it to life with great inventiveness.
The story is propelled by a catchy score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, which offers opportunities for some rousing song-and-dance numbers choreographed by Nicole Rose Bond. Highlights include “There’s Money on That Tree”, which sparkles with classic Broadway pizzazz; a fabulous tap-dancing Sarkin in “Floatin’ Along”; and the hilarious “Plump and Juicy”, where Fyfe’s Earthworm struts his stuff. Throughout, ensemble members Katrina Teitz (who is also dance captain and assistant choreographer) and Sophia Saugstad offer terrific dance moves and characterization in roles that range from pedestrians to seagulls.
Yet Paset and Paul’s score also gives us moments of poignancy, such as in James’s solo, “Middle of a Moment”, delivered with heartfelt emotion and powerhouse vocals by McDonald. And the tender “Everywhere That You Are”, nicely sung by James’s insect friends, encapsulates the show’s message of love and the enduring presence of loved ones.
One of the most impressive aspects of the production is McDonald’s standout performance. He expresses an impressive range of genuine emotions to create a multi-dimensional James. McDonald is also a dynamite singer and dancer. At the end of “There’s Money on That Tree”, he even performs a series of tap dancing “wings”, proving himself to be a terrific triple-threat performer. There’s no doubt that Macinnes, who shares the role of James, is also an exciting young talent. This production is a great opportunity to see these two young up-and-coming performers shine.
CTORA’s James and the Giant Peach is equal parts fantastical and adorable. Audiences of all ages will marvel at its sense of wonder. It offers an escape to a whimsical world while reminding us that our true home is always where our heart is. 
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