TUCK EVERLASTING, NEWSIES JR., INTO THE WOODS and More Set for San Diego Junior Theatre's 70th Season

San Diego Junior Theatre has announced its 70th Anniversary Season: 70 Years of Storytelling.

San Diego Junior Theatre is the oldest, continuously producing youth theatre in the nation. San Diego Junior Theatre is committed to providing engaging, innovative and high-quality theatre education and productions to enhance the lives of children of all ages, cultural backgrounds, abilities and levels of interest.

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San Diego Junior Theatre 70TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON:

Tuck Everlasting (October 27 - November 12, 2017) Tuck Everlasting is the musical tale of 11-year-old Winnie Foster, a free spirit who longs for adventure. When she meets the Tuck Family-and discovers they hold the secret to everlasting life-she faces an extraordinary choice: return to her own family, or join the Tucks on their never-ending journey. Based on the award-winning novel by Natalie Babbitt.

Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS (January 5 - January 21, 2018) Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS is an adaptation of Mary Pope Osborne's adventure books from the bestselling Magic Tree House book series. This time around, Jack and Annie's tree house takes them to an exotic island with pirates, where the two discover the power of friendship and the simple pleasures in everyday life.

Akeelah and the Bee (March 2 -1 1, 2018) 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.

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (March 15 -18, 2018) Follow an eclectic group of six tweens on their hilarious musical journey to realize their dreams of becoming the spelling bee champion! Fraught with the woes of puberty, the nerdy and the wordy struggle to become the best, but ultimately learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser.

Newsies JR. (April 20 - May 13, 2018) Junior Theatre is thrilled to partner with Music Theatre International and Disney Theatrical Group on a special pilot production of Newsies JR.! Based on the 1992 motion picture and the hit Broadway musical, Newsies JR. is the story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of newsies, who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets.

Mr. Popper's Penguins (June 29 - July 15, 2018) Mr. Popper, a house painter of modest means, lives with his family in a small town. He is a restless dreamer who spends his time reading of famous explorers in faraway places. See how his life changes when a package from Antarctica turns out to be a live, dancing penguin! A Newberry Honor Book.

Into the Woods (July 27 - August 12, 2018) Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Jack (of beanstalk fame!) and Rapunzel get tangled up with a bevy of other fairy tale characters and discover the unexpected consequences of having wishes come true. Journey into a fantastical world where traditional fairy tales take on fractured new lives and teach important new lessons.

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SPECIAL PERFORMANCES FOR SPECIAL AUDIENCES:

Sensory Friendly Performance:

There will be one Sensory Friendly Performance of Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS on January 13, 2018, at 11:00 am. This performance is designed to create a theatre experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. For information on this special performance, and for ticket purchase and availability, please call (619) 239-8355. Not available for purchase online.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performances:

San Diego Junior Theatre wants to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a great theatre experience by offering ASL-interpreted performances for the deaf, hard of hearing and ASL community. ASL-interpreted performances are available for Tuck Everlasting, Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS, Newsies JR., Mr. Popper's Penguins, and Into the Woods. Call the box office at (619) 239-8355 for more information.

Pajama Nights:

Bring the whole family to Pajama Night for Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS (January 12, 2018) and Mr. Popper's Penguins (July 6, 2018). Adults and children are encouraged to get cozy and enjoy these performances in the comfort of their pajamas. Children attending in pajamas will leave with a special gift, and the whole family will be back home in time for bedtime!

70 YEARS OF STORYTELLING CELEBRATION AND GALA

Junior Theatre's 70 Years of Storytelling Celebration and Gala will be on August 4, 2018. All proceeds will support San Diego Junior Theatre's educational programming and productions. The evening will feature fine dining, entertainment, and a special tribute to Don Ward, who with his wife Bonnie was the organization's leader for 15 years.

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All productions are in the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park, at the corner of Old Globe Way and Village Place. Tickets to Junior Theatre are $13 - $16. Discounts available for season subscriptions, seniors, and military. Purchase at www.juniortheatre.com. For more information visit the website or call the box office at 619-239-8355.