Saturday, March 18, 2006

theatre: junie b jones

The stage production of Junie B. Jones is touring the country this spring, with a stop-over this weekend at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake, IL.

I mention this because a very talented young lady is featured in the starring role of the irrepressible Ms. Jones.

In the program notes, you can read:
HEATHER CORRIGAN (Junie B. Jones) is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful cast. LA: Bark! (Chanel), Sequins! (Karina, original cast recording), Cindy and the Disco Ball (Cindy), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally). Favorite roles: Liesl, The Sound of Music; Harper, Angels in America . Enjoy the bestest show ever. Thank you Mom and Dad – I love you!

It takes more dedication and sacrifice than I can capture here to pursue a career in "show business", and she's got both, along with a razor-sharp intellect and real talent. I'm looking forward to the show.

(Post Show Edit - What a hoot! We had four seats waaaay up in the sound box, which for the uninitiated, is home to the best seats in the house. How can I describe her performance?

SET VINCENT_CANBY_ADJECTIVE_GENERATOR=ON
Captivating!

Heather Corrigan radiated boundless energy with a picture-perfect performance!

Thoroughly engaging and enjoyable!
SET VINCENT_CANBY_ADJECTIVE_GENERATOR=OFF

The crowd, full of well-dressed and bright-eyed 5-9 year olds and their parents, called the cast back for two curtain calls.

Later at lunch, she shared some of the "facts of the road" with us - seems the cast isn't just talent, they're roadies - and drivers. They're one of two "teams" of Junie B. Jones casts touring the country right now. They do something like 10 shows a week. For those of you counting at home, Broadway is only eight. The good news is that it's a fun role, and it's a great way to hone her craft as she prepares for the more challenging, rewarding roles she hopes to play in New York.

There. I've had my brush with greatness. Well done, Heather!)

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