When Susquehanna Stage presents "James and the Giant Peach Jr." on Friday, Sept. 16, to Sunday, Sept. 18, audiences can expect to see a lot of creativity on stage, from the costumes to the characters, said Tori Elliott, who portrays Aunt Spiker in the show. "It's very funny and it's very weird, but most of all, it's a lot of fun," she stated. "It's a show that's full of energy."

"James and the Giant Peach" is based on the children's book written by Roald Dahl. "It's about a boy whose parents die, and he moves in with his mean aunts," explained Charlotte Evans, who plays Aunt Sponge. "There's a magic peach tree that grows very large. James gets into the peach, and then he goes on lots of adventures."

The show is a Children's Workshop Production of Susquehanna Stage, and it features a cast of 33 children, all between the ages of 7 and 14, said Aiden Thomas, who is directing the musical. The theater regularly performs youth shows as part of its mission, she noted. "We are very much a community-centered organization. We believe in giving everyone a chance to get involved," Thomas stated. "We're hoping that leads to them staying involved."

Remington Shaeffer, who plays James in the show, said audiences can expect to go through a variety of emotions while watching the performance. "There are a lot of twists and turns in the show," he remarked. "You'll laugh a lot, and there are a lot of fun parts, but there are also some sad parts."

And, although the show starts off a little sad, with orphaned James living with his unloving aunts, it's ultimately full of hope, said Brady Smith, who portrays the narrator, Ladahlord. "The message is about family and how you can find your family in any person," he explained. "It's about choosing your own path no matter who you are. Anyone can make their own way."

Thomas noted that Susquehanna Stage will be collecting books to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster before and during the run of the show. Books for children reading at a kindergarten level through grade 7 level may be dropped off at the theater, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, any day during the week leading up to the show, or audience members may bring books to donate when they attend a performance.

"James and the Giant Peach Jr." will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16; at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17; and at 2 p.m. on Sept. 18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.