By Jennifer Moglia

     When one begins to think of typical school musicals, there are a few that may come to mind. It's different for everyone, but your initial thought probably isn't about an adaptation of a Roald Dahl novel-one that's not Matilda, that is. The weekend of May 13th, 8th and 9th grade students performed James and the Giant Peach, Jr., certainly an unusual choice, but one that paid off in the end. The cast included Gianna Palumbo as the protagonist, a young boy named James, Ana Victoria Serna and Austin Velez as the ladybug and grasshopper, James’s parent-like figures, and Bridget Healey, Deborah Dos Santos and Maya Diaz-Portalatin making up the rest of the bug gang, as the Centipede, the Earthworm, and the Spider. Other parts to remember included Emily Asam as the charming narrator Ladahlord, Maggie Gorman and Margarett “Peggy” Jones as as Spiker and Sponge, James’s hilarious aunts.

     The show was filled with exciting musical numbers as well as amazing acting. The highlight of the show for many people was Gianna’s moving solo as James, “On Your Way Home.” All in all, it was a fantastic performance by the leads, ensemble, dancers and, of course, the hardworking crew.  Kudos to Ms. Oliveri, director and choreographer, and to Ms. Ramsingh, assistant director.