Westwood Players To Present “Junie B. Jones, The Musical”

If you’ve got a middle schooler with an interest in performing, or a young child who loves the Junie B Jones books, did you know that Westwood has a new youth theatre group, Westwood Players? They will be performing their first show, Junie B Jones, The Musical (based upon the popular children’s books by Barbara Park), on November 15, 16, 17 at the Westwood Public Library. “Having spent years performing and both experiencing and observing the impact theatre can have on children’s confidence and development, I wanted an opportunity to share my love of theatre with the community. After directing the musical at Deerfield Elementary School last spring and assistant directing productions with Next Generation Children’s Theatre in Needham, I was looking for additional opportunities to direct and bring theatre into the Westwood community.

With children of my own who love to perform, their friends who are also very talented, a librarian who felt that a theatre production could help add to library community, and a couple friends of my own who were ready to jump in and get it started [Tina McCusker, treasurer and Chris McCusker, advertising] and it seemed like the stars were aligned to develop a theatre company,” says Tara Mansour, Artistic Director of Westwood Players and an Occupational Therapist with the Westwood Public Schools. “...Unlike [its] neighboring towns, Westwood does not have a community theatre. This is an opportunity for Westwood citizens to enjoy theatre, explore their talents, and to participate in theatre productions as a way to build community. The interest from the community has been both overwhelming and exciting!”

The cast of Junie B Jones, The Musical includes several seventh to ninth graders from Westwood and surrounding towns: Alex Mansour; Ella Mansour; Anna McCusker; Maddie McDaniels (all from Westwood), Needham’s Eli Bailit, Dover’s Marisol Saenez, Framingham’s Emily Spalding, and West Roxbury’s Ale Philippides. “All of the cast members in Junie B. Jones have all performed in numerous productions both in their school environment and in the community. They all have varying levels of formal training in voice, dance and acting,” notes Mansour.

When asked why Junie B Jones, the Musical was chosen, Mansour responds “Junie B. Jones, The Musical is one of Music Theatre International productions in their “Theatre for Young Audiences” (TYA) category. TYA musicals are shows written for adults to perform for children. Knowing that we were going to partner with Westwood Public Library for our first production, it seemed natural to choose a musical that was based off
a book.”

“Junie B. Jones tackles each challenge with characteristic spunky style in this high-energy musical. It's Junie B.'s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie's friend, Lucille, doesn't want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting. Although it is designed to be performed for children, I believe it can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages!” Says Mansour. Given the performances’ location at the Westwood Public Library and the Junie B. Jones series being on the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom list of most commonly challenged books, I asked if this was a reason this musical was chosen. Mansour says this was not a factor in choosing the musical.

“Six months from now I hope to find a home within a local theatre that can support both
larger audiences and greater technical elements. A year from now, I hope to have a working budget that allows us to officially hire a fully qualified production staff including a director, musical director, choreographer, props and scenery designer, etc. While programming is still in the works, Westwood Players is hoping to announce their next production at during ... Junie B. Jones!” Says Mansour of Westwood Players’ future.

Free tickets can be reserved starting November 1st by calling the Westwood Public Library Children's Desk at 781-320-1042 and choosing which show you would like to attend. Tickets can be picked up at the children's desk the day of the performance. Reserved tickets must be picked up by 30 minutes prior to show time on the day of the performance. Tickets not picked up 30 minutes prior to showtime will be distributed to guests wishing to get tickets the day of the show.

Show dates and times are:
Thursday, November 15 at 6:30

Friday, November 16 at 4:30

Saturday, November 17 at 11:30

Junie B. Jones, the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.