This was the first profesional show James did. It was produced by Royal City Musical Theatre Company in April/May of 1998. Although James' resume consisted of a completely blank piece of paper, he won the hearts of director Ed Harrington, choreographer Delores Kirkwood and music director Lloyd Nicholson. He starred in this quarter million dollar production at just 11 years old as the lead, Oliver Twist! James played opposite local celebrity newsman, Norm Groman, who, at the end of the run, presented James with a replica statuette of an Oscar award!