A Peach of a Performance: James and the Giant Peach Captivated West Jordan

The cast of James and the Giant Peach by West Jordan Youth Theatre poses joyfully on stage after a performance. Dressed in colorful costumes, the young performers strike celebratory and theatrical poses, capturing the fun and energy that made audiences laugh and cheer. — The cast of *James and the Giant Peach* by West Jordan Youth Theatre poses joyfully on stage after a performance. Photo by Megan Taylor

When a boy climbs inside a magical peach and sets off on an adventure across the ocean with a crew of giant talking bugs… you know you’re in for something wild. But nothing could quite prepare audiences for the hilarious, off-the-wall joy that James and the Giant Peach brought to the stage at Midvale Performing Arts Center in April.

West Jordan Youth Theatre is not your average community program. These kids (and the adults guiding them) don’t just “put on a cute show.” They deliver full-length, fully produced, laugh-out-loud musicals with high production values, clever direction, and a whole lot of heart—and James and the Giant Peach was no exception.

A group of young actors portraying the lead and supporting roles in James and the Giant Peach sit and pose inside a large peach set piece on stage. The colorful costumes represent characters like insects and adventurers, with playful expressions and theatrical flair against a painted sky backdrop. — The lead and supporting cast of *James and the Giant Peach* strike a pose inside the iconic giant peach set, showcasing the colorful characters and quirky charm that made the production unforgettable. Photo by Megan Taylor

From the very first scene, this cast committed to every quirky character and over-the-top moment with absolute confidence. Whether it was James’ journey from timid orphan to fearless adventurer or the delightfully outrageous duo of Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge (complete with wild costumes and even wilder personalities), each role was brought to life with energy, humor, and style.

Aunt Spiker (Hannah Hansen) and Aunt Sponge (Shayne Lynch) steal the show with their outrageous costumes and over-the-top comedic flair, delivering a scene-stealing performance that had the audience laughing out loud. Photo by Megan Taylor

“James and the Giant Peach was such an amazing experience,” said Shayne Lynch, who returned to WJYT to play Aunt Sponge. “The cast was so sweet. One of my favorite parts was getting to do our preshow ritual with all the little kids who have never done it before. It was so exciting to see their cute, excited faces!”

This production also welcomed many first-time performers, some of whom had never even seen a full musical before stepping on stage. The result? Pure magic. And yes—plenty of mischief.

“I was really excited to get cast… but a little nervous in the beginning,” said Flynn Black, age 8. “By the end of the show, I was so sad it was over. I was bawling when it ended—and even for days after! One of my older friends said this theatre was like a second home, and that’s how it felt to me too.”

Backstage, the energy was just as magical.

“Working with all these parents and community members to bring this show to life filled me with pride—the good kind,” said Mandy Kongaika, stage manager and new board member. “WJYT creates an environment that makes us all want to help more, create more, sing more, and give more of ourselves to the show.”

“Something about this show was different,” said Director Brook Mann, who has led several WJYT productions. “We had so many more young kids—many brand new to theater. Watching them grow and create something magical together was incredible.”

Brook speaks not only as a director but as a parent. “We’ve all found our place here. I hope others can feel like they’re at home with our theater too.”

“Theatre is magical, even when you’re backstage and wrangling little bugs,” added Liz Black, a production team member and proud mom. “This was the first full youth theatre production I’ve worked on—and it was a joy to watch not just my own child, but every young cast member light up with excitement and passion.”

🎭 What’s Next?

If you missed James and the Giant Peach, don’t worry—we’ve got another surprise cooking. This fall, West Jordan Youth Theatre presents Freaky Friday, our first production in the brand-new West Jordan Community Arts & Events Center! To help support our mission of bringing high-quality theatre opportunities to young actors, visit wjarts.org/light-the-room to sponsor a seat and help us install professional theatrical stage lighting.