JUNIE B. Takes Up Residence at Nashville Children's Theatre For Holiday Show

Junie B. Jones takes over Nashville Children's Theatre again for the November 1-December 18 run of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

Based on the series of Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Park, Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! brings the saucy first grader back to NCT with all of her holiday excitement. Junie B. and her classmates were last at NCT in 2007, when the theatre performed Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business to celebrate the theater's grand re-opening following its massive renovations.

Now, four years later, with a new script and new shenanigans, Junie B. is raring to go and can barely contain herself over the holiday festivities. However, her glee begins to turn sour when she draws Tattletale May's name for Secret Santa!

Brook Bryant, reprising the role of Junie B., leads the experienced cast, which also includes Cori Anne Laemmel, Rona Carter, Henry Haggard, Bobby Wyckoff, Patrick Waller and Jeff Boyet. Directing for the first time at NCT is Peter Vann.

"I am out of my mind with excitement  about making my Nashville directing debut with Nashville Children's Theatre," says Vann.

"I have been working on stage and off with NCT for almost ten years, and am continually amazed by the quality and variety of theatre produced there year after year. I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to that legacy in a new way as director. Scot Copeland has created a situation for me with this show that is essentially fool proof: He has surrounded me with a team of the best theatre professionals in the business. The script is absolute gold, the artistic team are wizards of their trade, and the cast is truly a group of the best actors you will find anywhere on the planet. I plan on having a ball with this show! I think you will, too."

Set and lighting design is by Scot Leathers and costume design is by Patricia Taber. Sound design is by Dan Brewer.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is written by Allison Gregory, adapted from the books by Barbara Park. The show is most enjoyed by ages four and up.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! has one preview performance on Tuesday, November 1 at  6:30 p.m. Tickets for this preview are specially priced at $6/child and $12/adult. Saturday and Sunday performances are scheduled throughout the production run at 2 p.m., except for Sunday, November 6, when there is no performance and Saturday, November 12, which is Grand Day.

Saturday, November 19 will feature NCT's free After-words event, when the audience can stay after the performance to learn some production secrets behind the play.

SPECIAL JUNIE B. EVENTS

13^TH ANNUAL GRAND DAY on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12: Grand Day is one of the best days at NCT! It includes an 11 a.m. performance of the play and immediately after the show families can enjoy an assortment of carnival games and activities. Carnival activities are pay-as-you-go, and tickets can be purchased on site during the event. Or, for $40 per person, an All Access Pass can be purchased that includes the play and all the carnival fun!

Grand Day Honorees: Harriet Harms and Karla Kelso: The most respected sign-interpreters for arts programming in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Harms and Kelso have been interpreting for NCT for around 20 years. Upon announcing their retirement this past year, NCT searched for the appropriate way to honor these dedicated women. Taking time at our biggest party of the year to celebrate their commitment to making arts accessible to hearing impaired patrons absolutely fits the bill.

Grand Day Show tickets: Child $12, Adult $19; Grand Day Carnival tickets: $1 each (bought on site, day of); All Access Pass: $40 per person

BIG KID NIGHT on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9: This event is for the 21 and up crowd only. NCT will begin serving Yazoo Brew at 5:30 pm and   the performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25; admission includes drinks, snacks and the show.

A WALK-ON ROLE will be available for auction online prior to the event.  Visit nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/shows_special.htm for additional information.

All regular performances of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! are open to the public, and reservations are recommended. Individual ticket prices are $12 per child (ages 2 to 17), and $19 per adult. Season subscriptions and group discounts are also available.

For more information, please visit www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org or call (615) 254-9103.