Hot on the heels of their success with Young Frankenstein, Chicago Street Theatre is bringing everyone's favorite first grader back to the stage in an all new musical just in time for the holidays. Based on the popular children's book series by Barbara Park, Junie B. Jones The Musical is created by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, the team that brought audiences Dear Edwina and the Broadway-bound Ever After. Running November 20 through December 6, the play faithfully captures four of Parks' beloved Junie B. First Grader stories with a delightful and amusing musical score. Although the musical is for ages 4 and up, children of all ages and their parents will adore this family feature which is making its Northwest Indiana premiere at Chicago Street.
Two holidays ago, CST featured Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells as part of its holiday lineup and the theatre had never seen a show "sell-out" faster. Much of Chicago Street's past success with the the play speaks to the popularity of Parks' sassy outspoken hero who has been entertaining children with her adventures for over twenty years.Tickets for the musical have been available since the theatre began its 61st season and already some performances are SOLD-OUT.
Returning to the duties of directing the exploits of the precocious first grader are directors, Dona Henry and Kelly Hite with Caroline Rau and vocal director, Elizabeth Simmons. "Once the show became available, we just knew we had to bring this show and these lovable characters to the community again," said Henry,"We had such a wonderful time working with the material the last time, and my kids and grandkids have grown up with these stories."
This adaptation stars Junie B. in a colorful, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, classroom rivalries, sugar cookies, and the annual kickball tournament among other childhood angst-ridden situations. The musical all starts with Junie's initial day in First Grade with her new teacher "Mr. Scary." Henry, Hite, and Rau have assembled a very talented cast of adults from all over Northwest Indiana to bring the family friendly world of Junie B's to life.
Chicago Street Theatre's Junie B. Jones The Musical features: Lindsey Elderkin (Valparaiso) as Junie B. Jones; Diane Smith (Valparaiso) as Lucille; Aaron Davis (Griffith) as Herb; Jane Strayer (Valparaiso) as May; Dean Perrine (Chesterton) as Sheldon; Rebecca Masse (Valparaiso) as Camille ; Carly Smith (Michigan City) as Chenille; Terry Dee Johns (Valparaiso) as Grace; Auriel Felsecker (Miller) as Bobbi Jean Piper; Rande Dawson (Valparaiso) as Jose; Patricia Schulz (Valparaiso) as Lennie; Lillian Conner (Valparaiso) as Shirley; Jim Drader (Valparaiso) as Mr. Scary; Samantha Raab (St. John) as Mother; Tim Slatton (Michigan City) as Daddy; and Linda Didelot (Chesterton) as Mrs. Gutzman
Tickets are available through the CST Box Office at 219-464-1636 X! or can be purchased online at ChicagoStreet.org. Box Office hours are weekdays and Saturdays Noon to 4PM and two hours prior to showtime. Group packages are also available for discounted rates. Special events with the cast and crew include an Opening Night Party on November 20th at Pestos and a Happy After Hour Party for the kids at South Bend Chocolate Cafe on Friday, November 27. Chicago Street Theatre also invites the audience to stay following the show on December for the theatre company's popular Thursday Talkback edition. Photo Ops will follow the majority of the performances as well for people to visit with the cast of Junie B. Jones The Musical. Tickets are going fast so don't miss your opportunity to share the art and the magic of live theatre with your family.
Here is the Full List of Dates and Showtimes for Junie B. Jones The Musical:
Friday, November 20, 2015- 7PM
Saturday, November 21, 2015- 2:30PM
Saturday, November 21, 2015- 7PM
Sunday, November 22, 2015- 2:30 PM
Sunday, November 22, 2015- 5:30PM
Friday, November 27, 2015- 7PM
Saturday, November 28, 2015- 2:30PM
Saturday, November 28, 2015- 7PM
Sunday, November 29, 2015- 2:30 PM
Sunday, November 29, 2015- 5:30PM
Thursday, December 3, 2015- 7PM
Friday, December 4, 2015- 7PM
Saturday, December 5, 2015- 2:30PM
Saturday, December 5, 2015- 7PM
Sunday, December 6, 2015- 2:30 PM- SOLD-OUT!