The Summer Youth Production hit the boards on Thursday night at the Butler Little Theatre to a packed house.

“James and the Giant Peach” got under way with the string sounds of Christian Cendrowski playing a melody with a somewhat haunting refrain to set the tone for the somewhat macabre beginning when James’ parents are eaten by a wild animal, leaving him an orphan

The back story is told by the lively and quite unusual narrator, played by Carrie Peters. Her British accent was commendable, and she remained masterfully in character throughout the show, and what a character she was. The role was enjoyable despite the wordiness of the dialogue.

She was dramatic and borderline diva with her delivery and antics. The frequent costume changes were amusing.

Peters also is credited with the theatrical makeup sported by the cast. It was smashing.

Poor James is thrust into the care of his unfit aunts played by John Carlson and Andrew Sloboda. I have to admit I had reservations about the unconventional casting, but it was a rousing stroke of genius to cast two male teens in these roles.

Sloboda and Carlson were hilarious and over-the-top in the portrayal of the egotistical female tyrants.

Little James Trotter was played by young Tanner Kennedy, who held his own in his first appearance on the stage. He was a sweet leading man who seemed quite comfortable. He was adorable and believable.

The bugs were delightful and their camaraderie, which seemed more like sibling rivalry, sincere. Braeden Rawa, who donned on the legs as Centipede, sang and joked his way into the hearts of the audience. It was an admirable performance.

His antagonist, the Earthworm played by Kiana Fleeger, had the corner on exasperation and pessimism.

Mara Flannery on the other hand as the Ladybug seemed to be the Pollyanna of the group with a joyous disposition.

They were joined on the peach by Abigail McCauley as the Glow Worm, Nathan Ellis as The Old Green Grasshopper and Madeline Fleeger as the Spider. And somewhere an adorable little silkworm, Aubrey Fleeger, was lurking.

The cast was rounded out by various other students.

The show boasted some neat special effects from the glowing seeds to the Giant Peach itself — both added to the mystical nature of the play. The costumes were adorable and the sets were just peachy.

Student director Shannon Donovan wrung every bit of talent out of this wonderful group of students. Another feather goes into her crowded cap.