Junie B. Jones and the Pealer Recital Hall Performance
Junie B. Jones The Musical was performed on Wednesday, November 4th at 4:30 p.m. in FSU’s Performing Arts Center Pealer Recital Hall. FSU’s Cultural Event Series collaborated with the Theatre and Dance Department to put on the silly, upbeat show. The performance was also privately available at different times for local schools and homeschool students. The hour-long play was recommended for students in grades kindergarten through fifth.
The Junie B. Jones chapter book series has held a spot in many young children’s lives for years. The first Junie B. story, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly School Bus was published in 1992 and has been entertaining ever since – with over 60 million copies being printed. The Barbara Parks phenomenon is known as a New York Times bestseller and a staple for elementary classrooms and libraries.
The musical follows the whirlwind of Junie B.’s life, otherwise known as first grade. Junie B. has a difficult time adjusting to her new school routine and her new baby brother, Ollie. Throughout first grade, Junie B. writes down each of her adventures and her ‘top-secret personal beeswax’ in her journal until she eventually runs out of pages. She overcomes her first grade obstacles without the help of her old best friend, Lucille, or ‘That Grace.’ Despite how much her friends have changed, her injury before the big kickball game, and problems in the school cafeteria, Junie B. learns how to make the most out of first grade and ends up a happy student. Her new friend, Herb, even offers her some of his own paper so she may continue her adventures and fun.
Before the musical performance began, The Pealer Recital Hall filled with laughter and squeals as elementary-aged children quickly arrived. Junie B. Jones is a household name for most children, and the excitement was prevalent. Junie B. and her fellow classmates on stage sang catchy tunes and goofily danced around the stage, with many audience members following and singing along. In addition to the happy children, parents, teachers, FSU students, and other adults grinned throughout the show.
The Cultural Events Series is supported by a grant through the Maryland State Arts Council and is sponsored in part by the Allegany Arts Council. Events through the Series provide entertainment from various cultural backgrounds where the arts can thrive.
A full CES schedule can be found at http://www.frostburg.edu/sci/ces/ . The FSU Theatre and Dance Department schedule can be found at http://www.frostburg.edu/events/univtheatre/ . 
The Author
