Dallas Children’s Theater to present Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business

by PegNews wire

The musical adaptation retains all of the humor and insight of the wildly popular books, and devotees won’t be disappointed.

Everything you ever needed to know you can learn in kindergarten ... from Junie B. Jones! She’s the world’s most irresistible kindergartner, and this fall she tromps her way back to Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) for a special return engagement in Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business, playing September 18 – November 1, 2009 in the Baker Theater at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

Junie B. made her grand entrance in 1992 in a series of young reader chapter books by Barbara Park. Twenty six books later, this lovable heroine has gained legions of adoring fans. Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD commissioned the musical adaptation of Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business by Joan Cushing in 2002. When Junie B. leapt from page to stage in 2006 at DCT, the entire month-long run sold out by opening night! DCT is thrilled to bring this smash hit back to Dallas for a new generation of Junie fans.

Cushing’s musical adaptation retains all of the humor and insight of the wildly popular books, and devotees won’t be disappointed.

Junie B. has two big problems. There’s the imminent arrival of a new “B-A-B-Y,” and she has no idea what to bring for show and tell. After helping Grandpa Miller with odd jobs around the house, Grandma Miller announces that Junie B.’s new brother has been born and he is “the cutest little monkey you ever saw.” With this news, Junie B. just may have the best show and tell ever, but her self-described “big fat mouth” always seems to get her into a trouble. At school she shares this exciting information with her classmates. Everyone can’t wait to see, especially her “bestest” friends Lucille, the princess-in-training, and That Grace, the fastest runner in the whole school. In all of the confusion, Junie B. is sent to the office of “The Boss of the School” (the principal). Can the spunky kindergartner talk her way out of this one?

The musical is filled with an array of catchy songs including Junie B.’s theme, “The World According to Me!” and prissy Lucille’s schmaltzy waltz about being “a genuine American princess” in “Princess Lucille.” There’s a soft edge to the score as well when Junie B. questions how her family will change with a new baby in “Which Number Will I Be Now?” At the end of the production, the entire cast joins in for “Words! Words! Words!” a jitterbug/swing number explaining how words with multiple meanings don’t have to be confusing to children.

Set designer Randel Wright’s backdrop underscores the whimsical nature of the production and allows scenes to seamlessly switch from one locale to the next. Linda Blase’s lighting design and Leila Heise’s costumes use every crayon color in the box.

Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business is comprised of an ensemble, triple-threat cast. Actors transition from grown-ups to little tykes except for Junie B., played by Jessica Jain, a fresh new talent from Canada making her DCT debut.

Based on the wildly popular book series, laugh out loud at her capers as well as her way with words. Junie B. is feisty and spunky and absolutely impossible to resist!

Enjoyed by ages 5 and above.

Source: Dallas Children's Theater

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