The Concordia University Wisconsin Players will present an adaptation of this popular musical chronicling six year old Junie B. Jones in its Todd Wehr Auditorium, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, February 14-16.
The first book was penned in 1992 by Barbara Park and spanned an additional 28 books through 2013. The series begins with Junie, an “almost six year old” girl starting her first day of kindergarten. Aimed at awakening the desire of beginning readers, the books were eventually translated into Spanish and French.
Concordia’s production, directed by Associate Professor Lori Woodall-Schaufler, takes on four of the books in a genuinely comical and not strictly for kids show as Junie begins first grade. “A lot of things have changed for Junie Beatrice and her friend Lucille doesn’t want to be her friend anymore,” said Woodall-Schaufler. “She meets a little boy on the bus, and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses since she has trouble seeing the blackboard,” continued Woodall-Schaufler.
The show is double cast and the 12 students performing are: Olivia Zimmermann and Talitha Marshall, Junie B. Jones; Angela Penterman and Margaret (Maggie) Fox, May/Mother/Grace; Jonah McGinnis and John Robertson, Sheldon/Lennie/Camille; Iesha Golden and Marlia King, Lucille/Jose/Bobbi Jean Piper; Andrew Sear and Aidan O’Donnell, Herb/Chenille; and Brady Wisniewski and Ethan Karschnik, Mr. Scary/Daddy/Gladys Gutzman/Mr. Woo. Sarah Bremer is serving as stage manager.
Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students 13 and older, $8 for veterans, $5 for children 5-12, and free for children under 5. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday, February 14-15 at 7 p.m., with a 1:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday, February 16. For more details, call the Fine Arts Information Hotline at 262-243-4444, “1.”
Upcoming drama productions this year include:
- “Medea,” April 23-26
- “Romeo & Juliet,” June 26-28
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