SRU Theatre presents ‘Junie B. Jones, the Musical,’ this week
Adapted from the popular childhood book series, Slippery Rock University will present a musical theater production of “Junie B. Jones” that offers audiences who favor books, music and theater a world to experience. The SRU Theatre Department will present five performances of “Junie B. Jones, the Musical,” from Friday, Feb. 28, through Tuesday, March 4, in the Stoner East Black Box Theater.
Show times and dates are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Monday and Tuesday; and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Tickets, which are $12 for SRU students and $15 for general admission, can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets, or in person at the Stoner East ticket counter up to one hour before each performance.
Directed by Kari-Anne Innes, a SRU assistant professor of theater, the musical follows the title character as she faces changes on her first day of first grade; her friend Lucille no longer wants to be her best friend and Junie may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.
“’Junie B. Jones’ deals with some of the same things college students do — changing friend groups, realizing you might need accommodations and finding the courage to tackle what feels impossible,” Innes said. “Having college students play these roles, I hope the audience sees themselves in the production and realizes that first grade struggles aren’t so different from our own. The key difference is that first-graders face challenges with creativity and optimism. My hope is that the audience reconnects with those childhood qualities, helping them stay curious and joyful.”
“Junie B. Jones, the Musical” book and lyrics are by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich; it is based on the book series by Barabara Park. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
