Tribune/Nathan Orme - Nine-year-old Anthony Antello gets a personal performance on Tuesday from the cast of “James and the Giant Peach.” Antello is a patient at Renown Regional Medical Center. TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada is putting on the production, which was performed Tuesday night in the Mack Auditorium at Renown.
Dressed in full costume, the cast of TheatreWorks’ production of “James and the Giant Peach” visited Renown Regional Medical Center on Tuesday using their characters as medicine in pediatrics. Children were greeted by James, the Centipede, Aunt Sponge and the whole gang and were treated to casual conversation and a song from the play. The performers said it was amazing being able to give these children a break from their day in the hospital.
“It’s nice being able to give a smile and receive a smile,” said 15-year-old Delaina Marenghi, who is playing the role of Miss Spider. “I was so happy to see them.
“It brings life and happiness into their lives and it’s interesting to see their reactions to all the colors and costumes,” Marenghi added.
The characters visited the rooms of 9-year-old Anthony Antello and 6-year-old Alannah Sam, who were mesmerized by the dancing entertainers. Though both children were shy, the cast performed “The Food Song” and provided comical banter to ease their audience’s nerves.
“I think they really enjoyed it even though they were shy,” Suzanne O’Grady said. “It seemed to make them happy.”
O’Grady, 16, is playing the character of the Ladybird and added the distraction might be enough to bring the children a great day.
“It will hopefully give them something to remember,” O’Grady said.
Performances of “James and the Giant Peach” will take place Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Laxalt Auditorium inside the Nelson Building located at 401 W. Second St. in Reno. Tickets cost $7 for students and seniors and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door. For reservations, call 284-0789.
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