The students of PACE Academy, a charter school in Clayton County, Georgia, put on a spectacular show based on the popular children’s book series Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park. The musical, which was performed on February 23 and 24, 2023, featured songs, dances, and laughs that entertained both kids and adults.
A Beloved Character Comes to Life
Junie B. Jones is a spunky and sassy first-grader who loves to write in her “top secret personal beeswax” journal. She faces various challenges and adventures at school and at home, such as getting new glasses, making new friends, and dealing with a meanie Jim. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, honesty, and self-confidence.
The musical, adapted by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, combines three books from the series: Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth, Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying, and Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake. The songs are catchy and witty, capturing the spirit and humor of Junie B. Jones.
A Talented Cast and Crew
The PACE Academy students, who range from kindergarten to fifth grade, did an amazing job bringing the characters to life on stage. They sang, danced, and acted with enthusiasm and energy, showing off their skills and talents. The lead role of Junie B. Jones was played by fifth-grader Kayla Smith, who said she enjoyed playing the character because she is “funny and brave and always says what she thinks.”
The cast also included other memorable characters, such as Junie B.’s best friends Grace and Lucille, her crush Ricardo, her teacher Mr. Scary, and her parents. The musical was directed by PACE Academy’s music teacher, Ms. Johnson, who said she was proud of the students for their hard work and dedication. She also thanked the parents, volunteers, and sponsors for their support and assistance.
A Fun and Educational Experience
The musical was not only a fun and entertaining show, but also an educational experience for the students and the audience. The students learned about various aspects of theater production, such as auditioning, rehearsing, memorizing lines, singing, dancing, and performing. They also learned about teamwork, cooperation, and communication, as they worked together to create a successful show.
The audience, especially the young ones, learned from the messages and themes of the musical, such as being yourself, respecting others, and overcoming challenges. They also learned about the joy and value of reading, as the musical was based on a beloved book series that has inspired millions of children to love reading.
The Junie B. Jones musical was a hit among the PACE Academy community, as well as the wider Clayton County community. The show received positive feedback and applause from the audience, who praised the students for their performance and the teachers for their direction. The show was also featured in the local news and social media, attracting more attention and recognition for the school and the students.
