San Diego Junior Theatre Continues its 70th Season with AKEELAH AND THE BEE

San Diego Junior Theatre, with a mission to provide engaging, innovative, high-quality theatre education and productions for children of all cultural heritages, ages, abilities and levels of interest continues its 70th Anniversary with a production of AKEELAH AND THE BEE, directed by James Saba. AKEELAH AND THE BEE is written by Cheryl L. West, based on the book by Doug Atchison. The production will showcase the work of San Diego Junior Theatre youth performers and youth technicians, ranging in age from 8 to 18. The production runs from March 2nd - 11th.

SDJT Executive Director and Director of the production, James Saba shared "Resiliency and diversity are two principles that we value highly here at Junior Theatre. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to examine both of these themes in our production of AKEELAH AND THE BEE with such a wonderfully diverse and talented group of Junior Theatre students."

AKEELAH AND THE BEE tells the story of a spunky 11-year-old girl whose razor-sharp mind just might take her all the way from the Chicago projects to the finals of the National Spelling Bee. An inspiring story that celebrates diversity, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit.

Akeelah and Bee takes place in an inner-city neighborhood and contains minor instances of mature themes and humor. Parents with young children should call the box office for more information.

The 25 person cast of Akeelah and the Bee is comprised of the following young San Diego performers: Anastasia Akopova, A'Verie Bell, Cameron Britt, Anika Bull, Aaron Chin, Amanda Cooper, Riley Cox, Colette Giganti, Martina Greco, Saskia Guluma, Jayden Haims, Sydney Hagler, Cecelia Harchegani, Brooke Henderson, Imahni King-Murillo, Sydney Kroonen, Chantal Lucas-Beneaud, Melissa Palmer, Benjamin Park, Destiny Parker, Hope Parsons, Thais Santana, Trevor Standifer, Cecelia Zens and Junior Theatre Guest Artist and alumnus, Marc Caro-Willcox.

AKEELAH AND THE BEE runs from March 2nd - 11th at the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park. Performances are Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets range from $12 - $16. Box Office: 619-239-8355 or online at www.juniortheatre.com