Simply saying the name Junie B. Jones likely conjures up one or more of the nearly 30 titles in the best-selling children’s book series by the late Barbara Park.
The character is brought to life in 23 Miles South Theatre’s “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” Dec. 13-14 at St. Paul Community Church’s lower level in Homewood. Those attending Dec. 14’s matinee also may want to attend the free Miracle on Martin from 2-6 p.m. in downtown Homewood for more fun.
“I was looking for something that was really fun for the kids that are acting in our shows and also the adults,” said Dawn Leader-Peloso, director of “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”
“I really liked this script. It’s got a good story. It’s fun and silly. At the end they really learn how to be friends and do something kind for someone else. It makes it a good holiday play.”
“Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” by Allison Gregory primarily draws from the Park book “Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.).”
“Junie B. Jones’ class is getting ready for a performance. She’s nervous because she has a history of messing things up,” said Leader-Peloso, of Homewood.
“Her archnemesis is May. The two of them have a fight at the concert. That’s what starts it. Junie pulls May as her Secret Santa for the class. Junie has a scheme on how she’s going to do Secret Santa and stick it to May, but in the end Junie’s conscience gets the best of her.”
The cast includes Homewood residents Kaylee Grage as Junie B., Patrick Nevins as Mr. Scary, Jackson Grage as Herb and Maddie Schneidewind as Lucille and Thornton resident Joleigh Hacko as Josie.
Adele Jennings as May, Piper Voris as Ms. Toot and Elf Ellen, and Mei Jennings as Shelly also star in the play.
“They’re really good actors and they’re all really funny. They enjoy acting with each other. Their own distinct personalities drive their characters. They make the parts their own and it makes it fun to watch for me,” Leader-Peloso said.
Not only has 23 Miles South Theatre made St. Paul Community Church home but the community theater group is part of the church’s arts incubator.
“We were one of the first arts groups to join that,” said Leader-Peloso about St. Paul Community Church’s shared space partners, which include Bel Canto Choir.
More Top Picks Best Generators For Home
“St. Paul had this big space they decided to put to use for the arts community. There are visual artists, painters, photographers and all different kinds of artists. There’s massage therapists. They also have a Basement Listening Room, which is like an open mic night they’re having once a month.”
After “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” wraps, 23 Miles South Theatre hosts auditions from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 16-17 for an evening of one-act plays directed by Rich Pniewski and Michael Kocher.
Other 23 Miles South Theatre auditions include 6-7 p.m. Jan. 13 for actors, ages 8-adult, for a children’s play to be announced and 7-8 p.m. for four adult women for “A Coupla Bimbos Sittin’ Around Talkin’,” which will be part of a dinner-show event. Leader-Peloso directs both of these shows.
“We do some great shows for both adults and children,” Leader-Peloso said.
“We’re trying to bring theater to Homewood. We’d like more people to know that we’re here.”
‘Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!’
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 13; 11 a.m. Dec. 14
Where: St. Paul Community Church’s lower level, 18200 Dixie Highway, Homewood
Tickets: $5
Information: 708-927-1929; www.23milessouth.com
Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer for the Daily Southtown.