Maltz Jupiter Theatre Presents Roald Dahl's JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR

Take an incredible journey across the ocean in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's production of the classically quirky children's book Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, Jr.!

International performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas will direct and choreograph the upcoming production of the beloved musical on July 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. on the Theatre's stage. Fun for the entire family, tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children.

The show will star 50 students from Palm Beach, Martin County and beyond who are participating in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts' three-week Junior Conservatory summer camp (grades 3-5), in which students learn all aspects of theatre such as acting, dance and voice, culminating in full performances of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, Jr.

The spectacular tale tells the story about a boy and his insect friends who take a breathtaking odyssey across the sea. A delightful adaptation of the beloved children's book, the musical features a witty and charming story and unforgettable score. This adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is a surefire hit!

"Families have adored Roald Dahl's book James and the Giant Peach since it was first published in 1961, and we are so excited to bring this classic to life on stage," said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Conservatory. "Our young actors have the opportunity to use their imaginations to portray dozens of eccentric and over-the-top human and insect characters. Audiences of all ages will love this fresh, hip stage version of this important and poignant tale."

Written by British author Roald Dahl, the original first edition featured illustrations by Nancy Ekholm Burkert. It was adapted into a film of the same name in 1996, then a musical that premiered in 2010 at Goodspeed Musicals. It has been reworked several times since, including the junior version that the Maltz Jupiter Theatre will produce. The musical features a book by Timothy Allen McDonald with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Seen onstage in the Theatre's professional productions of Les Misérables, The Wiz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nahas has served as a Conservatory faculty member for the past four years, teaching voice and dance. He previously directed and choreographed the Conservatory's productions of Guys and Dolls, Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., SEUSSICAL and Little Shop of Horrors, and also choreographed all three years of the Theatre's productions of Through the Looking Glass. Notable roles include Radames in Aida, Mungojerrie in Cats, a swing and dance captain in the National Tour of Altar Boyz and Double J in Saturday Night Fever. Currently based in West Palm Beach, Nahas has performed throughout Europe, with TV credits that include Burn Notice and Guiding Light.

"I'm elated to be directing and choreographing such a fun-filled musical on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage," Nahas said. "Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, Jr. is a dynamic, inspiring musical brimming with catchy tunes and colorful characters. It's fast-paced, high energy and a perfect show for both children and adults."

During camp, Nahas will guide students through the process of auditioning for a Broadway show, a rigorous rehearsal schedule and the opportunity to showcase all that they've learned onstage, complete with costumes, sets, professional lighting and a professional theater orchestra.

The musical features design elements from a host of industry professionals, including scenic design by the Theatre's properties master Casey Blanton, sound design by the Theatre's resident sound designer Marty Mets, lighting design by David Nail, costume design by Jerry Sturdefant, music direction from Conservatory faculty member John Mercurio, dance instruction assistance from dance captain Keagan Cerny and stage management from Noelle Dibble.

"The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Conservatory offers students the unique opportunity to perform in a musical at a regional theatre with full production values, just as a professional performer would do," Rowe said. "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to experience what performing in a professional musical is like - and have fun while doing so."

Showtimes for the Conservatory's upcoming production of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, Jr. are 7:30 p.m on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre's box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.

About the Conservatory

Drawing nearly 600 students per year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. More than 25 percent of the Conservatory's students receive scholarships. For more information about the Conservatory including a full schedule of classes, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.

About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,760 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

Photo by Jen Vasbinder