ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List:
Now Playing At Marriott Theatre
Through August 11, 2019
Now Playing At Marriott Theatre
Through August 11, 2019
Terry James, Executive Producer
Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director
Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director
Presents
Sneak a peek into the "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal" of the outspoken and lovable Junie B. Jones!
My kids grew up on Junie B. Jones books, and adored this quirky, creative heroine. We're jazzed to see Marriott is bringing her to life on stage in the ever popular, Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Since my littles are now not so little teens, one of my fabulous freelancers, Chicago based writer and mom of 3, Kimberly Robb Baker came out for the press opening, with her young children, to review for ChiILMama.com.
by kimberly robb baker
Photo Credit: K. Robb Baker
The book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler were fun, and the cast, directed and choreographed by Johanna Mckenzie Miller, brought enough enthusiasm and child-like energy that we were able to suspend disbelief and embrace the adult actors as first graders. The production made creative use of the space, props, lighting, and quick changes to pack in the different locals and characters. A “bus ride” was particularly creative and enjoyable to watch.
That play opens as Junie B.—played with heart, verve, and a lovely voice by Elizabeth Telford—is starting first grade. Given the cold shoulder by her old friends and facing trouble with her class work, it’s time for Junie B. to embrace new friends and new… well, you’ll have to see the play to find out.
Rashada Dawan as Junie B.’s mom and lunch lady Mrs. Gutzman, deserves special mention, especially for playing the latter character, a kind of cookie-making-angel who inspires awe in the children and rocks her spatula like a true queen.
The kids loved the show and were excited to meet the characters afterwards. I highly recommend Junie B. Jones the Musical for kids of all ages!
Photo Credit: K. Robb Baker
Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here: DisruptiveMama.com.
ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:
Family Friendly Theatre Fun
Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara
Created by the team who brought Dear Edwina to the stage—Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich—and developed into a genuinely comical (and not strictly-for-kids) musical by TheatreworksUSA, Junie B. Jones, The Musical is directed and choreographed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, with musical direction by Ellen Morris.
It's Junie B.'s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie's 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. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.
Starring in Junie B. Jones, The Musical are Elizabeth Telford as “Junie B. Jones,” Lydia Burke as “May and Chenille,” Rashada Dawan as “Mom, Mrs. Gutzman, Grace and Camille,” Jackson Evans as “Sheldon,” Adam LaSalle as “Daddy, Mr. Scary and Mr. Woo,” Garrett Lutz as “Herb,” and Allison Sill as “Lucille.”
The production will feature set design by Rachel Rauscher, lighting design by Aaron Lorenz, costume design by Amanda Vander Byl, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, media design by Anthony Churchill and Nick Coso, and musical supervision by Patti Garwood.
*Single ticket prices are an affordable $18.23 per person for all ages including taxes/fees.*
Junie B. Jones, The Musical runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling (847) 634-5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at (847) 634-0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.
Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara
**Enter HERE Through Midnight July 29th**
For Your Chance To WIN 4 Tickets
From ChiIL Mama and Marriott Theatre
$72.92 Value Each/ 3 Winners
For Your Chance To WIN 4 Tickets
From ChiIL Mama and Marriott Theatre
$72.92 Value Each/ 3 Winners
valid for any performance (pending availability)
through August 11, 2019
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