New Minas Elementary School Presents: Junie B. Jones: the Musical!

New Minas Elementary School Presents: Junie B. Jones: the Musical!
By Kimberley Smolenaars

Author Barbara Park has been amusing kids (and their parents!) for ages with her books about the adventures of Junie B. Jones, a sassy kindergartner/first-grader. For many years I have enjoyed giggling with my daughters while reading about the trouble that Junie B. gets herself into. Junie B. is funny, strong-willed, and prone to misunderstandings and mishaps. Sometimes she loses her temper and acts out, not unlike my own daughters! The books have morphed into a musical by Marcy Heisler (book and lyrics) and Zina Goldrich (music), which has in turn prompted the release of Junie B. Jones: The Musical

Drama students from grades three, four, and five at New Minas Elementary School invite you to laugh yourself silly when they stage the hilarious Broadway Junior adaptation of Junie B. Jones: The Musical, on Thursday May 2 at 1:00pm and 7:00pm in the school gymnasium.

The story begins on Junie’s first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie’s best friend Lucille has found new best friends, and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. She gets excited about getting a new journal and a new lunch box. She finds herself on the outside of a clique of friends whose names rhyme with each other (“Nothing rhymes with Junie,” she complains). She’s disappointed when she fails to become a kickball star, but then overjoyed to discover she’s a talented juggler.

Adults will be just as engaged as their children when the chorus dramatically (and humorously) announces to Junie B. “You need glasses!” or when she leaps into the rollicking faux-spiritual “Now I See” once she gets those glasses. The musical, which is a little more than an hour long (plus a short intermission) is suitable for all ages. The plot allows for parents and guardians to have a conversation with their child(ren) about the character’s choices and the natural consequences that follow.

Junie B Jones: The Musical is directed by Mary Hanneman and Donna Carr along with musical director Wendy LaPierre. Tickets are $5.00 each or $20.00 per family of 5. Tickets are available at New Minas Elementary School, Cotton Tale Cafe in New Minas, or at the door.