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A CurtainUp Review
Junie B. Jones


When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade! —---Junie B. Jones
Junie B. Jones
Jennifer Cody in Junie B. Jones.
(Photo: Joan Marcus)
The exuberant musical Junie B. Jones has returned to the Lucille Lortel Theatre through May 4 and if the performance I attended was any indication, audiences are certainly glad it's back. Based on the series of books by Barbara Park, this show with its tuneful score, appealing characters and excellent cast is appealing for grown-ups as well as kids.

Jennifer Cody as the spunky Junie takes us through her adventures in first grade. These include making new friends, riding the bus, getting new glasses and participating in the school kickball tournament. Except fpr Cody all of the actors double and triple up to play colorful characters like the snack lady Gladys Gutzman (John Scherer), Junie's ex-best friend Lucille (Shannon Antalan), Junie's current best friend Herb (Blake Ginther), nerdy kid Sheldon (Randy Aaron), budding control freak May (Spelling Bee's Sarah Saltzman), and several more.

Most refreshingly, director Peter Flynn has resisted most of the cloying faux-childish mugging often found in a young people show. Instead the actors give honest and energetic performances, the choreography (by Devanand Janki) is consistently inventive, and the set (Luke Hegel-Cantarella) is simple but with some nice surprises.

Of course, what really brings the show to life are the book and score. Marcy Heisler (book and lyrics) and Zina Goldrich (music) are a talented duo. The nicely crafted lyrics are not too clever for the kids, not too simple for the adults. The songs are appealing and melodic. Heisler and Goldrich will l be making their Broadway debut next year (in a musical version of the movie Ever After), so Junie can be seen as a very promising precursor.

This marks Junie's third return to the Lortel, all directed by Peter Flynn. The 2004 run was extended into a two-act version n in 2005. This year tje sjpw os back to one act and 60 minutes, which is probably best. Certainly not too long for wither kids or their parents to get antsy.

JUNIE B. JONES
Book and Lyrics: Marcy Heisler
Music: Zina Goldrich
Director: Peter Flynn
Adapted from the novel by Barbara Park
Cast: Randy Aaron (Sheldon & Others), Shannon Antalan (Lucille & Others), Jennifer Cody (Junie B. Jones), Blake Ginther (Herb & Others), Sarah Saltzberg (May & Others), John Scherer (Mr. Scary & Others),
Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter
Scenic Design: Luke Hegel-Cantarella
Costume Design: Lora LaVon
Running time: 60 minutes, no intermission
Theatre Works USA at The Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street
From 3/20/08 to 5/4/08; opens 3/22/
Reviewed by Julia Furay based on March 22nd performance.


Try onlineseats.com for great seats to
Wicked
Jersey Boys
The Little Mermaid
Lion King
Shrek The Musical



The  Playbill Broadway YearBook
The Playbill Broadway YearBook


Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide
Leonard Maltin's 2007 Movie Guide


broadwaynewyork.com


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