(Chelsea Update would like to thank Don Paulsell and Dania Dunlop for the information, photos and flyer in this story.)
CAP Jr., the youth theater company of the Chelsea Area Players will present “Junie B. Jones, Jr. – The Musical” at the George Prinzing Auditorium, Washington Street Education Center, May 20-21 at 7 p.m. and on May 22 at 3 p.m. at the Washington Street Education Center.
Junie B. Jones, America’s favorite elementary school student, comes to life onstage in this adaptation of three books in Barbara Park’s popular book series of the same name. Fun for the entire family, Junie B. Jones Jr. highlights the timeless themes of friendship, acceptance, and “turning lemons into lemonade.”
The production opens with Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things are changing. Her friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she 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.
“All too often, kids on stage have to play adults, or at least older teenagers,” says Director Alex Moore, in a press release.
“I love Junie B. Jones because the actors get to stretch their acting muscles in the other direction by playing kids even younger than they are,” she said, adding, “Most of the cast aren’t that far away from first grade, so they can remember things like show-and-tell, and the excitement of school in those early years. I have had such a great time working with these young actors who truly love being on stage and performing. I’m sure that enthusiasm will help all of us remember the ups and downs of being in first grade.”
Featuring many lovable characters and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones Jr. will capture your hearts — just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.
General admission tickets are available for $10 at Chelsea Pharmacy, 1125 South Main St. or at the door.
About Chelsea Area Players:
Formed in 1972, the purpose of the Chelsea Area Players is to enrich the educational and cultural life of the community, promote understanding and appreciation of an important art, provide worthwhile entertainment, encourage interest and active participation by the community in all phases of the theatre through dramatic productions and other related activities, and to foster and support the involvement of adolescents and young adults of the community in the dramatic arts.
To learn more, visit our website at www.chelseaareaplayers.org or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/chelseaareaplayers.
