A feisty children’s book character gets the spotlight in an upcoming production from Valparaiso’s Chicago Street Theatre.
“Junie B.Jones: The Musical” has a Nov. 20-Dec. 6 engagement that is based on Barbara Park’s book series about a colorful first-grader.
According to promotional material from the theater, the play “faithfully captures” four of Park’s stories about the sassy child, with the help of a “delightful and amusing musical score.”
Aimed at entertaining youthful audiences, the production also intends to win over adults by giving the vibrant Junie B. center stage.
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The story traipses across elements of her life that include sugar cookies, classroom rivalries and new friends.
“It is an adorable show,” said Kelly Hite, who is sharing director duties with Dona Henry. “I think the kids are just going to be in awe. We are just having a blast with it.”
The troupe’s website touts a Northwest Indiana cast of 16. Hite said the performers’ age range spans from the 20s to the 70s.
The chief character is Junie B. Jones, a spunky child with a knack for direct talk.
“She is a little girl who says what’s on her mind,” Hite assured. “She steals your heart for sure.”
Portraying Junie is 32-year-old Lindsey Elderkin.
“She’s pretty courageous, she’s boisterous,” Elderkin said of her character. “She’s not your typical female heroine.”
The actress said Junie has her flaws, but indicated she is a fan of the whirlwind, whom the theater company describes as a “sassy little diva.”
Elderkin has soaked in the books by Park that spin tales of the precocious first-grader.
Elderkin said she would like her 2-year-old twin daughters, Charlotte and Louisa, to grow up idolizing Junie.
Playing Junie in a community-theater setting is a rewarding experience for Elderkin.
“I’m really excited,” she said, noting that involvement in local theater has been a good outlet, and carries social benefits.
“It’s a great way to meet people,” Elderkin said.
Elderkin is starring in a play that springs from a highly successful book series published by prestigious Random House.
According to Random House, Park’s best-selling series has sold more than 60 million copies in North America.
Chicago Street Theatre previously presented a holiday-season “Junie B.” production that was well received.
With notable characters such as Lucille and Herb, the musical edition stands as a natural follow-up.
“Once the show became available, we just knew we had to bring this show and these lovable characters to the community again,” co-director Dona Henry said in a press release.”We had such a wonderful time working with the material the last time, and my kids and grandkids have grown up with these stories.”
‘Junie B. Jones: The Musical’
Where: Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 20-21, 27-28, Dec. 3-5; 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21-22, 28-29, Dec. 5-6; 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 29
Tickets: $17, $20 and $30; group packages available
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Information: (219) 464-1636, ext. 1; www.chicagostreet.org
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.