James and the Giant Peach JR. musical script, adapted from Roald Dahl's classic book, features music and lyrics by the Tony-nominated duo Pasek and Paul The Greatest Showman Dear Evan Hansen

Storyline: The musical follows James, a young orphan who lives with his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge, on the English coast. One day, James meets a mysterious old man who gives him a bag of magical crocodile tongues. As James returns home, he accidentally spills the tongues, and a giant peach begins to grow. When the peach becomes enormous, James climbs inside and meets a friendly cast of insect characters, including a Grasshopper, Centipede, Spider, and Silkworm. Together, they embark on a journey to New York City, facing various obstacles and adventures along the way.

Scene 4:

(He leans against the tree trunk. As he does, a tiny, glowing green light appears at his feet. It pulses. He blinks. The light grows. He kneels.)

script succeeds because it treats its young characters (and actors) with respect. It doesn't shy away from James's loneliness, but it provides him—and the audience—with a joyful, melodic path toward belonging. It remains a staple of youth theater because it turns a bizarre trek across the ocean into a relatable story about finding your place in the world. or perhaps some creative staging ideas for the peach itself?