Junie B Jones to Monkey Around at SCT

Seattle Children's Theatre will say goodbye to its 2005-2006 season and hello to spring with Joan Cushing's lively adaptation of Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business.

Filled with comical song, dance and bright design, the play sprawls more than 20 Junie B. Jones books, superimposed with the story of the monkey business, bringing to life the grand tales of excitement and trouble from a feisty kindergartner. Since her first book in 1992, Park's Junie B. Jones series has sold 28 million copies in eight languages, becoming the fifth highest selling children's series of all time. There are 26 books in the series, which Booklist calls "sassy, hilarious and insightful," and Park has won 40 awards for her books, including 25 Children's Choice awards. Since its 2003 premiere at Imagination Stage in Maryland/>/>, the funny and dynamic Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business has been produced to critical acclaim across the nation.

Of Seattle/>'s production, SCT Artistic Director Linda Hartzell says: "Bringing the world of this sprightly child to life is an exceptional cast, full of some of the funniest, most clever and playful actors seen anywhere in Seattle/>/>. With direction from David Bennett, who brought us Bunnicula, this show has an energy and vitality sure to capture the hearts of everyone in the family."

Playwright, composer and lyricist Cushing is best known for her political satire, and her satirical revue Mrs. Foggybottom & Friends ran for 10 years in Washington/>, D.C./>/> More recently, she has been commissioned to adapt five popular children's books as musicals: Miss Nelson Is Missing!; Brave Irene; Junie B. Jones; Miss Nelson Has a Field Day!; and Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood. She recently completed a full-length musical, The Christmas Doll, based on the book by Elvira Woodruff, and her musical Tussaud, based on the dark tale of Madame Tussaud, opens in Tampa/>, Florida/>/> in July.

 Bennett directed last season's Bunnicula at Seattle Children's Theatre. He also directed Miss Saigon, My Fair Lady and The Most Happy Fella at 5th Avenue Theatre, and Once On This Island and Man of La Mancha at Village Theatre.

Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business follows an outspoken and precocious young girl through her feelings of frustration at having a baby brother on the way, and the dilemma of finding something great for show-and-tell at school. Styled for the eyes of a young child, the play uses vibrant costumes and fanciful sets, backed by an upbeat score with Junie B.'s own rich, expressive language.

The cast for Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business includes Lisa Estridge as That Grace, Stephen Hando as Principal/Crybaby William/Father, Peter A. Jacobs as Grampa/Meanie Jim, Laura Kenny as Mrs./Grandma, Leslie Law as Lucille/Mother, and Liz McCarthy as Junie B. Jones.

SCT's production features choreography by Kathryn Van Meter, musical direction by Mark Rabe, arrangement by Greg Fulton, set design by Edie Whitsett, costume design by Karen Ledger, light design by Michael Wellborn, and
sound design by Chris R. Walker.

Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business plays from April 14 through June 18th. For tickets call (206) 441-3322, or visit www.sct.org

Liz McCarthy as Junie B. Jones

Liz McCarthy as Junie B. Jones and Lisa Estridge as That Grace

All Photos by Chris Bennion