Junie B. (ifor Beatrice but I just like the B and thatis alli) Jones is a lively and cheerful kindergartner, and only child, with two big things on her mind: Junieis mother is going to have a ib-a-b-yi and secondly she has no idea what she should bring to show and tell. When Junieis grandmother informs her that the new baby is ithe cutest little monkeyi Junie takes the comment literally and determines that her show and tell problem has been solved. This witty, language-mangling musical adaptation, by the same author who brought us last seasonis iMiss Nelson is Missingi, follows Junieis adventures with her teacher and classmates, her parents, and her dearly-loved eGrampai Miller.
iThe set design plays off of the words emonkey barsi and emonkey business.ii remarks TOYis Award-Winning Head of Design, Ken Shaw, iVibrant Legoland hues; yellows, brilliant blues and reds color the shapes of monkey bars, slides, and teeter-totters. Of course, the play also takes us to Junieis home, grandparents and school. The world of Junie Bis parents contrasts with her eGrampai Milleris house next door in that Junie Bis house is very modern and trendy and the grandparentsi home is decorated in a fun and bright retro-1950s style. The costumes stay true to the popular illustrations of Denise Brunkus, featured in the books.i
Theatre of Youth presents Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business.
Directed and Choreographed by Michael Walline. The show opens Friday, May 12, 2006 at 7 pm, continuing Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m., May 13 n June 4, 2006. (no performances May 27 or 28th)
Recommended for ages 4+ and sponsored by Wendyis Restaurants.
Director Michael Walline has assembled a strong cast of actors. Included in the cast of six are Leah Russo, Sarielys Matos, Nicole Marrale Cimato, Mary McMahon, Todd Benzin, and Kurt Guba.
The Theatre of Youth Design team includes: Kenneth Shaw (Set Design), Barbara Priore (Costume Shop Manager), Chester Popiolkowski (Composer/Sound Design), and Brian Cavanagh (Lighting Design).
Tickets for Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business are $19 or $17 per person and can be purchased by calling the Theatre of Youth Box Office at 716.884.4400. Group rates are available.
Theatre of Youth, founded in 1972, is a professional company of adult actors who perform for young audiences. Theatre of Youth is the resident company at The Allendale Theatre, restored in partnership with the City of Buffalo and opened on December 5, 1999.
The 2005-2006 season at Theatre of Youth is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.
Theatre of Youth Presents Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business By Joan Cushing
Based on iJunie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Businessi by Barbara Park.
Illustrated by Denise Brunkus, Book, Music and Lyrics by Joan Cushing.
Originally commissioned by Imagination Stage, Inc. Bethesda, MD.
Production: JUNIE B. JONES & A LITTLE MONKEY BUSINESS
Written By: By Joan Cushing
Adapted from the book written by Barbara Park, Illustrated by Denise Brunkus
Director & Choreographer: Michael J. Walline
Designers: Kenneth Shaw (Set & Costume Design), Chester Popiolkowski (Composer/Sound Design), Brian Cavanagh (Lighting Design)
Characters Actors
Junie B. Jones Leah Russo
That Grace Sarielys Matos
Lucille, Junieis Mother Nicole Marrale Cimato
Mrs. Grandma Miller Mary McMahon
Grampa Miller/Meanie Jim Todd Benzin
Principal/Junie Bis Father/Crybaby William/Mrs. Gutzman Kurt Guba
OPENING and PRESS NIGHT: Friday, May 12, 2006 at 7 PM
CLOSING: Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 2 PM
Interactive Talkbacks: After each performance, members of the cast engage the audience in a conversation from the stage. Young People enjoy behind-the-scenes information about how the production was created. TASK (Theatre Arts Study guide for Kids) are available from TOYis website www.theatreofyouth.org.
PERFORMANCE TIMES: Friday, May 12, 2006 at 7 PM
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 PM
May 13, 2006 n June 4, 2006
(NO Performances on May 27th or 28th)
REGULAR TICKET PRICES: $19.00 – $17.00
GROUP RATES: $17.50 – $15.50
SCHOOLS: Call 716.884.4400 extension 304 for information
ACCESSIBILITY: Fully Accessible: Inform box office at time of ticket purchase.
Hearing Devices: Infrared listening system available.
BOX OFFICE: Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri. – 12 PM through 5 PM
AND Three (3) hours prior to performance times
Phone: 716.884.4400 Fax: 716.819.9653
E-mail: boxoffice@theatreofyouth.org
Website: www.theatreofyouth.org
LOCATION: The Historic Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen Street, Buffalo, NY 14201
(near the corner of Allen & Elmwood)
Junie B. Jones and A Little Monkey Business is the final production in TOYis 2005-2006 Season.