With a world premiere, a quirky comedy, and the biggest show to grace York’s stage, York Drama has had a phenomenal year.

In November, the drama program was honored to perform Pasek and Paul’s James and the Giant Peach. Originally a children’s book by Roald Dahl, playwrights Benj Pasek and Justin Paul adapted it to the stage in 2010. When the high school score came out, they contacted York’s Musical Director Becky Marianetti to premiere it. This is the second Pasek and Paul musical that the drama department has put on, and the actors could not have been more thrilled.

Tatum Langley, junior, who starred as James, the title role, expressed her gratitude and excitement towards being able to work with them.

“They had such a great energy, and I learned so much that I’ve been able to carry over into James, all in just one day of working with them,” said Langley.

With phenomenal costumes and a fantastic set, James and the Giant Peach was a great start to a great season.

After a short break, the drama program moved on to its next show, which ran from February 4-7: David Ives’ All in the Timing. All in the Timing is a collection of comedic one-act plays, each one completely unrelated to the next. From a story about a man in love with a washing machine to a murder mystery, there was something for everyone.

“I love language and word play.  David Ives is able to use words in a way that very few contemporary playwrights can touch,” said Director John Forsythe on why he chose the show.  “He then chooses a deep, existential topic and explores it in the most absurd fashion. The combination of intelligence, silliness and depth make his plays a joy to direct, act in or watch.  How could I resist that?”

Because the show is comprised of 14 short plays, each cast member was able to participate in at least two plays, and everyone was able to have speaking roles, which is uncommon in theatre.

“Every cast member was able to participate and have a larger role, or roles, than if we had done any other play,” said sophomore Sam Griffin, who played Philip Glass in the short skit Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread.

All in the Timing made audiences laugh, cry, and everything in between.

Finally, in April, to close out the season, York Drama performed Claude-Michel Schonberg’s fantastically heartbreaking sung-through musical Les Miserables. With original Broadway costumes, Broadway-inspired set designs, and a 71-person cast, including six elementary and middle school children, Les Miserables is easily the largest scale production that the drama program has ever tackled. It was all worth it though because 36 hours after ticket sales went public, the show was completely sold out, a record-breaking feat for the program.

“It’s unreal; we’ve never sold out all four shows in general, and to sell out in less than two days in mindblowing,” said sophomore Abbie Lockie, who stage managed the show.

“It was another great show…just when you think it’s the best, it gets even better,” said Food Services Cafeteria Manager Andrew Fidone in response to a thank you email sent by Director Becky Marianetti.

With such an impressive season this year, all of the members of the York Drama program are excited to tackle next year’s shows.