ShirleyArts! is very excited to announce our summer youth musical program for 2023!  

 For ages 8 -17, this educational program will culminate in three performances of “Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” Shirley residency is NOT required, and scholarships are available. Director Meredith Marcinkewicz and Stage Manager/Choreographer Laurie Marcinkewicz will lead the children through auditions, rehearsals, and performances, as well as theater games, music skills, and cooperative team-building activities.

“Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach JR. is a brand-new take on this "masterpeach" of a tale.  Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.”

“When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way.”

“The possibilities for creative costuming and puppetry abound, and young actors will love playing the outlandish and larger-than-life human and insect characters.”

 The leading roles include: James, Ladahlord (the Narrator), two wicked aunts, and five larger-than life insects. Chorus members will play at least three roles including reporters, sharks, garden club ladies, seagulls, sailors, and more.

Everyone who commits to the rehearsals and performances will be cast in the show. As soon as tuition is paid, students will receive a script to start working on at home. 

***We need at least 20 participants in order to run this program. We are also looking for students who want to learn how to work behind the scenes as stage crew.***

Contact Director Meredith at mmarcinkewicz@shirleyarts.info with any questions

You may pay the participation fee using the PayPal link, or bring cash or check to the audition or mail a check to PO Box 49, Shirley, MA 01464.

Thank you to the United Way for their Out-of-School-Time Grant, which allowed us to reduce our participation fee for up to 30 students.