T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK The Bellaire High School Thespians prepare for an upcoming performance of James and the Giant Peach. Parents and families have been enjoying productions throughout the year.

BELLAIRE — It will be an evening of fun and music when the Bellaire High School Thespians present the spring musical “James and the Giant Peach” at 7 p.m. March 19 and the same time March 20 at the high school alumni auditorium.

The story revolves around young orphan James, who is taken in by his two atrocious aunts. Through magic, a peach on a tree in the orchard grows to an enormous size, along with the insects in it.

He befriends the bugs and they set off on an adventure, where they are stalked by the two aunts, who want the peach to make them famous.

The show features the songs “Shake it up,” “Middle of a moment,” and “Do you ever begin to wonder?”

Director Edward Street said students have been anticipating the production and were happy for the chance to continue the performances.

“We’ve been doing it all year. We’ve been able to have our shows. We had to do limited audiences, parents only. We’ve done six shows with 30 people in the audience.

“For the musical, we’ve got a large auditorium,” Street said. “We’re hoping to let in about 200 people. This seats over 1,100 people and the governor said we’re allowed to have 25 percent. That’s like 18 percent.”

He commended the hard work of the students and the excitement infused in each performance.

“They’ve been very happy because the activities continued to go on. They’re able to come here and do what they love best. I’ve had almost perfect attendance the entire time, and they’ll even stay after and paint the set, work on the set and do what’s needed to make the show the best it can be.”

Street said parents and families are also enthusiastic.

“They’re very supportive and glad that the arts continue,” he said. “There’s a lot of people to thank. Our peach took 18 hours to construct and paint. It’s a large undertaking. The kids have stayed after school to 7 p.m., 8 p.m. working on the set.”

He added the government mandates specify masks may be removed during performances. The site is thoroughly cleaned after every rehearsal and performance.

Cast members include Kaitlyn Clary, Lilly Back, Cassidy Garloch, Josey Boston, Pat Matthews, Caitlin Silber, Steven Street, Jessica Rosen, Ryley Wright, Sara Dunfee, Jadon Bellville, Logan Fabry, Leahnna Sparling, Nico Piergallini, Ryan Knowlton, Grace Eller, Vince Back, Tyler Speece, John Beck, Ryder Corbett, Larry Schmidli, Kamren Donahue, Laiken Hibbitts, Andrea McCloud, Promise Propst, Mackenzie Lahna, Kiernan Porter, And Creed Rhodes.

Crew members are Adele Yock, Makenna Wright, Caitlin Boyle, Sammi Doty, Sara Dembrosky, Bradley Robbins, Makayla McFeley, Brandon Hakr, Logan Thorp, Ryan Knowlton, and Nico Piergallini.

Leahnna Sparling is the stage manager, Jeff Nelson is crew head, Cheryll Pompeo is choreographer, and Lara Cline is the vocal instructor and orchestra conductor.

All tickets are $8 and there is limited seating available.

For more information, call 740-676-3652