Young People's Theatre Of Chicago 2023-2024 Season Launches With Junie B. Jones, the Musical Oct 7–Nov 5, 2023

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3-PLAY SOPHOMORE SEASON 

AT THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER

YPT’s joyful inaugural season saw enthusiastic reviews, sold-out performances, and thousands of local students at special school matinees!

And now Chicago’s newest Theatre for Young Audience (TYA) company is back with an exhilarating 3-play sophomore season to delight all ages. The 2023-24 season launches with the fabulously fun Junie B. Jones, the Musical (Oct 7–Nov 5). Then the New Year sees the Chicago premiere of Wendy Kesselman’s new one-act, TYA version of The Diary of Anne Frank (Feb 17–Mar 24). The season concludes with the dazzling hip-hop/soul adaptation of Matt de la Peña’s Newberry Award-winning Last Stop on Market Street (May 11- June 2).

All performances take place at the historic Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave). Tickets for all shows on sale now. For tickets and more information, visit yptchi.org or call the box office at 773 404 7336.

NEW THIS SEASON - TWEENS & TEENS

YPT inaugurates its Theatre for Tweens and Teens Series with the Chicago premiere of Wendy Kesselman’s vital new one-act TYA version of The Diary of Anne Frank. Updating the original 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning text, Kesselman draws on more recently available diary entries to create a more complicated, authentic, and fascinating central character. Kesselman’s adaptation also centers the Jewishness of those in hiding. With Antisemitic incidents in the United States at an all-time high, YPT is proud to bring this consequential new family-focused production to our community. The company’s goal is to spark in children a lasting interest in theatre and this riveting and uncompromising new 75-minute Anne Frank will galvanize a less-served young-adult demographic.

Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank Best enjoyed by everybody 9+. 

YPT’s production will be accompanied by an exhibit from the Anne Frank Center designed to help visitors understand Anne’s story in the context of the Holocaust. The exhibit then jumps forward to consider how young people face discrimination and exclusion today. Audience members can experience Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank free of charge before and/or after each performance.

FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES

Bookending the affecting new Anne Frank are two extraordinarily engaging musical theatre productions for the younger set.

Junie B. Jones Best enjoyed by everybody 3+.

Adapted from Barbara Parks’ perennially popular early-reader book series, this TYA classic follows the uproarious escapades of a plucky first-grader who discovers that what makes you happy and what makes you blue is part of the same indelible story that is your life.

Featuring a lively score and hilarious book, Junie B. Jones makes a joyous start to the new YPT season!

Last Stop on Market Street Best enjoyed by everybody 4+.

Visiting his grandmother’s unfamiliar neighborhood, 6-year-old CJ discovers friendship, empathy, and joy in unexpected places.

Adapted by Cheryl L. West from Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson’s Newberry Award-winning picture book, Last Stop on Market Street’s glorious score is by Paris Ray Dozier and his father, Lamont Dozier, writer of Motown hits like How Sweet It Is and Stop! In the Name of Love.

Originally developed by the Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company, YPT is thrilled to bring the second-ever production of Market Street to Chicago.

"Our first year was such a joy," notes artistic director Randy White. “This season we’re focused on expanding programming to all ages. We're proud to introduce Wendy Kesselman’s brilliant new one-act Anne Frank to local tweens, teens, and families. At the same time, Junie is a personal favorite and a fabulously fun way to kick off the new season. And bringing Matt de La Peña's celebrated Last Stop on Market Street back to Chicago is an honor. Our ambitious 2023-24 season promises something for all our kids!”

JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL OCT 7 – NOV 5, 2023

Fabulously fun adventures with Junie B. and friends!

Press Performance: Saturday, Oct 7 @ 1:30pm

Preview Performance: Saturday, Oct 7 @ 10am

Performance Schedule: Saturdays at 11am & 1:30pm / Sundays at 1:30pm

Book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler

Lyrics by Zina Goodrich

Adapted from the Junie B. Jones Series of books by Barbara Park Directed by Randy White

Tickets: $25 / $19 (under 12)

Best enjoyed by everyone 3+

Young People’s Theatre of Chicago

The Greenhouse Theater Center · 2257 N Lincoln Ave 60614 randy@yptchi.org · 773.404.7336 · 812.272.4511 (m) · www.yptchi.org

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (One Act) FEB 16 - MAR, 2024

The Chicago premiere of an essential new One-Act Theatre for Young Audiences version.

Preview Performances: Performance Schedule:

Saturday, Feb 17 @ 7:00pm

Friday, Feb 16 @ 7:00pm and Saturday, Feb 17 @ 1:30pm Fridays @ 7:00pm

Saturdays @ 1:30pm & 4:00pm

Sundays @ 1:30pm

By Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett Newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman Based on The Diary of Anne Frank

Tickets: $35 / $24 (under 12)

Best enjoyed by everyone 9+

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET MAY 11 - JUNE 2, 2024

A hip-hoppin’, toe-tappin’, musical joy-ride about finding beauty in everyday city life.

Preview Performances: Performance Schedule:

Saturday, May 11 @ 1:30pm

Saturday, May 11 @ 10am Saturdays @ 11am & 1:30pm Sundays @ 1:30pm

by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West

Music and lyrics by Lamont Dozier & Paris Ray Dozier

Tickets: $25 / $19 (under 12) Best enjoyed by everyone 4+

@ The Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago

773 404 7336 / www.yptchi.org

Young People’s Theatre of Chicago

The Greenhouse Theater Center · 2257 N Lincoln Ave 60614 randy@yptchi.org · 773.404.7336 · 812.272.4511 (m) · www.yptchi.org

GIVEAWAY AND REVIEW: WIN 4 Junie B. Jones The Musical Tickets ($72.92 Value) /3 Winners Now Playing At Marriott Theatre Through Aug 11, 2019

ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List:
Now Playing At Marriott Theatre 
Through August 11, 2019

Photo Credit for all Production Photos: Amy Boyle Photography

Enter Below Through Midnight July 29th 
For Your Chance To WIN 
A Family 4 Pack of Junie B. Jones 
The Musical Tickets 
($72.92 Value) /3 Winners!!! 
valid for any performance through August 11, 2019 
(pending availability) 

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

Presents

Sneak a peek into the "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal" of the outspoken and lovable Junie B. Jones!

My kids grew up on Junie B. Jones books, and adored this quirky, creative heroine. We're jazzed to see Marriott is bringing her to life on stage in the ever popular, Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Since my littles are now not so little teens, one of my fabulous freelancers, Chicago based writer and mom of 3, Kimberly Robb Baker came out for the press opening, with her young children, to review for ChiILMama.com. 

Guest Review
by kimberly robb baker

Photo Credit: K. Robb Baker

We’d never read the Junie B. Jones books, so I wasn’t sure if my 9-year-old daughter and her school pal would find the story relatable. It turned out to me a non-issue. Loving parents who just don’t understand, precarious social structures, and the desire to have a place to put your “own personal beeswax” is universal!





The book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler were fun, and the cast, directed and choreographed by Johanna Mckenzie Miller, brought enough enthusiasm and child-like energy that we were able to suspend disbelief and embrace the adult actors as first graders. The production made creative use of the space, props, lighting, and quick changes to pack in the different locals and characters. A “bus ride” was particularly creative and enjoyable to watch.



That play opens as Junie B.—played with heart, verve, and a lovely voice by Elizabeth Telford—is starting first grade. Given the cold shoulder by her old friends and facing trouble with her class work, it’s time for Junie B. to embrace new friends and new… well, you’ll have to see the play to find out.

Rashada Dawan as Junie B.’s mom and lunch lady Mrs. Gutzman, deserves special mention, especially for playing the latter character, a kind of cookie-making-angel who inspires awe in the children and rocks her spatula like a true queen.

The kids loved the show and were excited to meet the characters afterwards. I highly recommend Junie B. Jones the Musical for kids of all ages!

Photo Credit: K. Robb Baker

Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: 

Family Friendly Theatre Fun

Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara

Live a day in the life of this ever lovable and outspoken first grader with the premiere of Junie B. Jones, The Musical, at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire. Running from July 12 to August 11, 2019, this special one-hour presentation explores the wonderful works of Barbara Park’s beloved best-selling books. 

Created by the team who brought Dear Edwina to the stage—Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich—and developed into a genuinely comical (and not strictly-for-kids) musical by TheatreworksUSA, Junie B. Jones, The Musical is directed and choreographed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, with musical direction by Ellen Morris.

Audiences will follow the trials and tribulations of this zany first grader, who learns what friendship really means, that the things that make you different also make you special, and that sometimes when life gives you lemons… you just need to make lemonade!



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. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.





Starring in Junie B. Jones, The Musical are Elizabeth Telford as “Junie B. Jones,” Lydia Burke as “May and Chenille,” Rashada Dawan as “Mom, Mrs. Gutzman, Grace and Camille,” Jackson Evans as “Sheldon,” Adam LaSalle as “Daddy, Mr. Scary and Mr. Woo,” Garrett Lutz as “Herb,” and Allison Sill as “Lucille.”

The production will feature set design by Rachel Rauscher, lighting design by Aaron Lorenz, costume design by Amanda Vander Byl, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, media design by Anthony Churchill and Nick Coso, and musical supervision by Patti Garwood.

*Single ticket prices are an affordable $18.23 per person for all ages including taxes/fees.*

Junie B. Jones, The Musical runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling (847) 634-5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at (847) 634-0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara

**Enter HERE Through Midnight July 29th** 
For Your Chance To WIN 4 Tickets 
From ChiIL Mama and Marriott Theatre
$72.92 Value Each/ 3 Winners 

valid for any performance (pending availability) 

through August 11, 2019

ENTER HERE

OPENING: Junie B. Jones,The Musical at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences July 12 to August 11, 2019

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: 

Family Friendly Theatre Fun

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

Presents

Sneak a peek into the "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal" of the outspoken and lovable Junie B. Jones!

My kids grew up on Junie B. Jones books, and adored this quirky, creative heroine. We're jazzed to see Marriott is bringing her to life on stage in the ever popular, Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Since my littles are now not so little teens, one of my fabulous freelancers, Chicago based writer and mom of 3, Kimberly Robb Baker will be out for the press opening, with her young children, reviewing for ChiILMama.com. 

Live a day in the life of this ever lovable and outspoken first grader with the premiere of Junie B. Jones, The Musical, at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire. Running from July 12 to August 11, 2019, with press opening on Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m., this special one-hour presentation explores the wonderful works of Barbara Park’s beloved best-selling books. Created by the team who brought Dear Edwina to the stage—Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich—and developed into a genuinely comical (and not strictly-for-kids) musical by TheatreworksUSA, Junie B. Jones, The Musical is directed and choreographed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, with musical direction by Ellen Morris.

Audiences will follow the trials and tribulations of this zany first grader, who learns what friendship really means, that the things that make you different also make you special, and that sometimes when life gives you lemons… you just need to make lemonade!

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. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.

Starring in Junie B. Jones, The Musical are Elizabeth Telford as “Junie B. Jones,” Lydia Burke as “May and Chenille,” Rashada Dawan as “Mom, Mrs. Gutzman, Grace and Camille,” Jackson Evans as “Sheldon,” Adam LaSalle as “Daddy, Mr. Scary and Mr. Woo,” Garrett Lutz as “Herb,” and Allison Sill as “Lucille.”

The production will feature set design by Rachel Rauscher, lighting design by Aaron Lorenz, costume design by Amanda Vander Byl, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, media design by Anthony Churchill and Nick Coso, and musical supervision by Patti Garwood.

Junie B. Jones, The Musical runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call (847) 634-0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary. Single ticket prices are $18.23 per person. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling (847) 634-5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at (847) 634-0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.