Owen Watson Leads JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, Starting Tonight at Valley Youth Theatre

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, a lively musical based on the much-loved children's book written by Roald Dahl, lands on stage at Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) October 9th, showcasing a magical cast of creepy-crawly characters.

Dahl's other famous works include MATILDA and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, otherwise known as 'Willy Wonka', which was adapted for the stage by the same noted playwright as JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, Timothy Allen McDonald.

Meet James, a young orphan boy, who is forced to live with his evil aunts when his parents suddenly pass away. One day his mean-spirited aunts send him out to chop down their old fruit tree.

While out in the yard, his miserable existence takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a magic potion that creates a gigantic peach. Suddenly, James finds himself inside the massive peach on a dangerous journey as it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean. Aboard the great traveling peach, he encounters human-sized insects whose personalities are equally oversized. In order to survive, they all must learn to live and work together as a family.

"This is such a fun musical and the score, composed by a Tony-nominated team (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), is incredibly touching," says Bobb Cooper, VYT's Producing Artistic Director. "During the auditions, I was brought to tears when two of my cast members (Addison Bowman and Isabella Conner) sang a beautiful ballad from the score called 'Everywhere That You Are', a song the bugs sing to James assuring him that even though his parents are gone, they will always be with him in spirit."

James boasts an astonishing young cast, headlined by eleven-year-old Owen Watson. Owen, who attends Arizona School for the Arts, is returning to the VYT stage for his sixth production. He was most recently seen at the Herberger Theater Center in the acclaimed production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat as part of the Children's Choir. Other roles include: Edmond in the 2014-15 production of Narnia, the Beaver in A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail, a Lost Boy in Peter Pan and Max the Dog in Seussical, The Musical.

Alex Watson, Owen's older brother, also joins James for his fourth show as a part of the production team operating all the fun gadgets behind the scenes.

"VYT is very family oriented," says Cooper, "and we are always excited when families get involved in shows together. Being a part of a show together can be both thrilling and a real test of love."

Other noted young actors include: Sam Primack (Earthworm), who appeared as Pugsley Addams on the national tour of The Addams Family and Charlie Siegel, who performed in the national tour of Wizard of OZ, returns for his 12th show with VYT.

Rounding out the cast of James are many talented, up-and-coming entertainers from around the Valley playing many fun bug characters and ensemble parts.

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, the second production of VYT's 27th Season, opens tonight, October 9, 2015 and runs through October 25, 2015. Shows times vary according to the day and ticket prices are $18 not including fees. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office 602.252.8188 x307 or visit www.vyt.com.

Established in 1989, Valley Youth Theatre is a professional quality, 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre dedicated to helping young people achieve their full potential through meaningful engagement, education and excellence in the performing arts. Winner of nearly 100 National Youth Arts awards, voted "Best Star-Making Machine" and "Best Live Theater" on azcentral.com, heralded as "Best Place to Take a Bow" by Phoenix Magazine and rated one of the "Top Ten Places to Become a Future Star" by The Arizona Republic, VYT produces six main stage shows each season including two at the Herberger Theater Center.

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