DMC’s James and the Giant Peach Cast Recognized by IHSMTA
May 18, 2023
The Des Moines Christian School theater department was honored by the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, for its April production of James and the Giant Peach. The group received "Outstanding Overall Performance" and "Outstanding Ensemble" accolades.
Isaiah Mudlaff ('24), who played the character James, has been selected to perform an excerpt from Middle of a Moment for the IHSMTA Awards Showcase. Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the Showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. and will recognize a total of 94 schools from across the entire state.
Mudlaff and Ian Hagenberg ('23) will participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. In addition to a special performance at the showcase, students will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City this summer.
Des Moines Christian students received additional awards from the IHSMTA including:
- Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – Ian Hagenberg (‘23) as “Ladahlord”
- Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – Isaiah Mudlaff (‘24) as “James”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Valerie Busch (‘24) as “Earthworm”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Chayse MacLennan (‘23) as “Spider”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role - Carter Morrow (‘23) as “Grasshopper”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Samantha Wright (‘23) as “Spiker
Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at (515) 246-2300.
The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event on Friday, July 14 at 8:30 PM and on Sunday, July 16 at 1:00 PM.