Junie B. Jones Musical By Theatreworks USA at the MAC

It's moments like these that I realize just how old I am getting and yet a nostalgic feeling washes over me despite my existential aging crisis; my daughter brought home a book to read that looked all too familiar. The book series Junie B. Jones brings back 1st grade memories for me, literally, considering I was just about 7 when the series was released in 92.


It was definitely eye opening when I realized that my own first grader fell in love with a series that I read nearly 22 years ago. Yet, I think that the longevity of the series is a testament to the author: Barbara Park and illustrator: Denise Brunkus and their ability to create a book that can still connect with kids today.



In case you have lived under a rock for the last twenty years, the Junie B. Jones series is a classroom favorite that has been keeping kids laughing--and reading--for over 20 years. Barbara Park has won multiple children's choice awards and has been featured on the Today Show and in The New York Times, USA Today, and Time magazine. As Publishers Weekly says, "Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.--and reading--are lots of fun. Needless to say the concept is genius and the books are hilarious and such a positive reinforcement to get the little ones in your life to read.

The Junie B. Jones series has been adapted by multiple theatres for live action shows and most recently Theatreworks USA! has put together a musical version of this classic kids series. This production features lyrics by award-winning writer and lyricist Marcy Heisler and music by composer Zina Goldrich. It is recommended for grades K-5. It's playing at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) located at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., this Saturday April 11, at 11 a.m.

The show brings the flights and plights of first-grade troublemaker Junie B. Jones and her classmates to life through exciting song and dance. It was adapted from Barbara Park’s children’s series, “Junie B. Jones,” and the musical compiles the highlights of Junie’s adventures throughout first grade. It's sure to be a roller coaster ride of boo-boos, pouts, giggles and rowdiness. You can get tickets HERE and make sure to come back to the Halfstack Blog for our review of the show!


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