Every year, the KHS Arts Department showcases its annual musical. This year, students and staff have been working hard to bring James and the Giant Peach to life. Huge credit goes to the incredible creative team behind this production: Milargos Gonzalez as stage director and choreographer, Scott Burzynski as vocal director, Danny Conde as orchestra conductor, Ian Costello on set design, David Caravella handling sound effects and microphones, and Kathieen Astrella as business manager.
Along with this outstanding team, the show features a talented cast. Here are some of their thoughts on the production:
Antonella Sanchez (James):
Antonella shares that rehearsals are very time-consuming and sometimes stressful, especially as the lead, but also fun and exciting. She enjoys building friendships with fellow cast members who support each other along the way. Antonella was inspired to join the musical by her sibling, Amelie, who participated in past KHS productions. She loves that her character is imaginative and full of big ideas.
Jasmine Santamassino (Sponge, one of James’s aunts):
Jasmine describes her experience as both fun and exciting. Unlike Antonella, she notes that her character is very different from her real personality. She enjoys the opportunity to act bratty and embrace a sassy attitude on stage. As a senior, Jasmine hopes to end her KHS theater experience on a high note. Since freshman year, she has performed in Shrek, The Addams Family, Mamma Mia, and now James and the Giant Peach. She has also appeared in the senior play Puffs and participated in the KHS summer musical program.
Miguel Piñero (Ladahlord):
Miguel has participated in the past four musicals as well as the senior play. He has dedicated significant time and effort to this production and is excited for his final performance at KHS. He describes being part of the show as joining a second family, where lasting friendships are formed as everyone works together.
That’s enough spoilers! If you’d like to see this talented cast and crew in action, come see James and the Giant Peach on March 19, 20, and 21 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Don’t miss this “peach-tastic” performance—it just might inspire you.