Limelight Performing Arts in Gilbert will bring middle school trials and triumphs to the stage with two musicals that get to the heart of what it means to grow up.

The Gilbert youth theater company is the first in Arizona to present "Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical," on stage April 6-19. Opening the following weekend is "13: The Musical," which runs April 12-21.

Both productions take audiences through the growing pains of adolescence, the quest for identity and the social dynamics of school life.

"Wimpy Kid" brings Jeff Kinney's book series to the stage. It follows the story of Greg Heffley, an average middle schooler with big dreams and an even bigger imagination, as he navigates life’s ups and downs of with his quirky family and friends by his side.

From embarrassing moments to laugh-out-loud mishaps, Greg's diary entries come to life through new songs like “The Cheese Touch” and “Zoo-Wee Mama."

The 60-minute musical is performed by young actors from across the Valley — including seven Gilbert actors — and addresses the challenges of fitting in, the ever-present threat of bullies and the constant worry about being labeled a "nerd" or a "popular kid.” 

"13" provides another glimpse of adolescent life through the story of Evan Goldman, a New York City transplant who is thrust into small-town Indiana just as he's about to turn 13. 

The cast, including five Gilbert youth. capture the essence of teenage angst and the all-consuming desire to fit in, from the awkwardness of first crushes to the heartbreak of social rejection.

 Written by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, with a book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn, the score blends pop-rock sensibilities with Broadway flair. Numbers include "13/Becoming a Man," which is the opener, and "What it Means to be a Friend."

Both “Wimpy Kid” and “13” deliver messages about friendship, self-acceptance and the power of being true to oneself.

Gilbert “Wimpy Kid” performers include Emma Kleniewski, 11, as Patty Farrell; Dominic Montufar, 8, as Chirag Gupta; Gabriela Montufar, 10, as Fregley and understudy Greg Heffley; Amelia Rush, 11, as Claire; Hasley Rush, 6, as Marley; Emily Scanio, 8, as Pauline; and Henry Starks, 9, as Charlie Davis.

“13” performers from Gilbert include Sylvia Fuller, 14, as Lucy; Maddie Gloyd, 13, as Cassie; Brendan Lucas, 12, as Malcolm; Amelia Rush, 11, as Molly; and Abigail Spector, 14, as Kendra.

Both productions will be performed at Limelight’s black box Artspace Theatre at 511 W. Guadalupe Road in Gilbert. Evening and matinee performances are available. Tickets can be purchased at Limelight’s website, Group discounts are available.

More information is available by visiting Limelight Performing Arts on Facebook, Instagram or at ll-pa.org.