James & the Giant Peach - Character Information

Characters:

Ladahlord (could be played by a boy or girl)

is a mysterious character who seems to have a hand in the magical things that are happening. May seem a bit off, but carefully watches over James, making sure James moves towards to a better life. Ladahlord also serves as a guiding narrator throughout the story. This is a perfect role for a charismatic young performer who can sing and dance well.

Vocal Range: G3 - Gb5

James (most likely played by a boy)

is the hero of our story, on an epic quest to find a family of his own and gain confidence in himself. Cast a young boy with an unchanged voice and someone who has great acting instincts. Make sure he can win over an audience and is comfortable being onstage.

Vocal Range: G#3 - E5

Ladybug (played by a girl)

immediately takes on a doting, maternal role in James' life. This is a fantastic role for a performer with a great singing voice and a regal demeanor.

Vocal Range: A3 - D5

Grasshopper (played by a boy)

the leader of the Insects, is ever the optimist and assumes a paternal role in James' life. Cast a performer who can sing and act well, but foremost has a warm, inviting presence.

Vocal Range: A3 - F#5

Spider (played by a girl)

is a clever creature who becomes a fun-loving older sister to James. A young woman with a spunky personality and a great voice is a perfect choice for the role.

Vocal Range: B3 - C5

Earthworm (played by a boy)

is a gentle spirit, although he can be a bit of a coward. Luckily, he gains enough courage to save the day by baiting some gullible seagulls. Earthworm looks at James as a brother figure. Cast a performer who can sing well, and more importantly, someone who isn't afraid of being a little outlandish.

Vocal Range: B3 - A5

Centipede (played by a boy)

may be a bit of grouch, but he is ever-loyal to the pack, and by the end of the story, he's won over by James. James sees Centipede as that cranky uncle with a heart of gold. Centipede should have a good singing voice, and be able to make strong, specific acting choices.

Vocal Range: B3 - F#5

Spiker and Sponge (played by girls)

are the sort of aunts (or monsters) that you fear ever being stuck with. They take James into their home but only so that he can be their own personal servant. Spiker is the brains of the operation, and Sponge is more concerned with finding something to eat. These are great character roles for two young performers who are fantastic singers and actors. To play into the humor, cast a duo that contrasts completely in physical appearance. Vocal Range:

Spiker: F3 - E5

Sponge: F#3 - E5

Mr. Trotter, Mrs. Trotter, Karl Kreatour and the Zoo Crowd are all part of the James' nightmare. These are small, featured roles, so feel free to cast from your ensemble.

The Matron Nurse runs the Painswick Orphanage, and you definitely get a sense she hasn't had a vacation in years. This is a great acting role for a young woman who can command a room.

Vocal Range: Speaking Role

Billy and Bobby Bobby-Cop are a perfectly unified pair of cops working for Scotland Yard. This is fun cameo role for two performers who work well together.

Speaking Roles:

The Vagrants, including Doreen Driggles, Ridgley Rapscallion, Violet Funkschmeller and Chris Cryermouth are an ensemble of have-nots to support Spiker and Sponge's treacherous plans. These ensemble roles are important for making up the world of the musical. The Passing Man, MAN (with wallet) and Passing Woman all have featured moments where they fall victim to Spiker and Sponge. Vocal Range:

Doreen: F#3 - E4

Ridgley: E4 - A4

Violet: F3 - E4

The Reporters, including Ida Walters, are on the scene just as the peach is becoming larger than life. Cast a group of energetic performers.

Bitsy Botana and the rest of the Ladies' Garden Guild are in flowery frocks and hats, intent on having Spiker and Sponge give the keynote speech at their conference. A few young performers with good voices will do the trick.

Hollywood Agents led by Buzz jump in on the success of the growing peach with movie and Broadway deals for Spiker and Sponge. Like the Reporters, this is a fun group to cast with some lively performers.

Vocal Range: F#3 - B4

Farm Animals, Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas are all in harm's way as the peach outgrows its stem and rolls towards the ocean. These are very fun cameo roles for performers with personality.

The Angry Crowd is in search of the amazing giant peach, but they quickly turn into an angry mob when the peach is nowhere to be found. These ensemble parts are easy to cast from any of your company.

The Cruise Ensemble are various vacationers en route to New York with Spiker and Sponge. Use anyone from your ensemble to fill out the scene!

The Sharks and Seagulls are featured in “Plump and Juicy.” Cast strong movers and dancers in these roles.

New Yorkers, Screaming Women, Lucille Van Kooglestein, Bunny Mackenzie the Third, Jake and Joe all witness the peach land directly on the Empire State Building and are sent into a panic! Cast a handful of characters for these cameo roles.