‘Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook,’ July 11-14

Furry mittens and fancy new pens become criminal currency in Mineral Area College Little Theatre Guild’s next production, the kid-friendly “Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook.”

The musical’s four-night performance, July 11-14, begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available at MAC’s bookstore or at the door before the performances. The production is rated G.

The play is based on a book in Barbara Park’s series about the spunky school kid, Junie B. Jones.

When someone steals Junie’s new furry mittens, her moral compass becomes skewed. After she finds a wonderful pen of many colors, she wonders….She should be allowed to keep it, right? Because finders keepers, losers weepers? Further complicating her life is a new boy in kindergarten, handsome Warren. The only thing is, her friends want him to be their boyfriend, too. This fancy new pen would give her an edge, wouldn’t it? Junie B. Jones is not a crook . . . or is she?

MAC Theatre Instructor Chuck Gallaher said that, while the play is based on a children’s book, the tale is entertaining enough for crowds of all ages.

“It’s a great glimpse into the world of children, the fears they face and the choices they make on a daily basis,” he said. “And when you think about it, it’s not far off from issues and challenges grown-ups have to face as they get older. Plus, Junie’s a spunky one, and we’ve got a great, spirited cast of kids who are really knocking this play out of the park.”

The cast includes: Junie B. Jones: Holland Clyburn, Belgrade; Grace: Sophia Smith, Desloge; Lucille: Jyllian Torres, Ironton; Lucille’s Grandpa/Classmate: Kaitlyn Maas, Fredericktown; Fireman/Classmate/Choir: Ava Mill, Farmington; Parrot/Classmate/Choir: Courtlyn Dane, Bonne Terre; Handsome Warren: Ashton Dane, Bonne Terre; Mrs.: Hope Patterson, Bonne Terre; Ricardo: Jaxon Smith, Desloge; Jim: Kinley Tracy, Park Hills; Grouchy Typing Lady: Lily Anna Dowell, Farmington; Principal: Reese Pinkley, Bonne Terre; Mother: Paige Maas, Fredericktown; Grampa Frank: Sophie Yilmaz, Fredericktown; Pink Fluffy Girl/ Classmate: Macie Smith, Bonne Terre; Choir/Fireman 2/Classmate: Hadley Dowell, Farmington; Choir /Classmate: Laura Morton, De Soto; Choir/Classmate: Reese Stokes, Farmington; Choir/Classmate: Ivy Cook, Fredericktown.

Sarah Haas is the Mineral Area College Director of College Communications, President’s Office. She can be reached at 573- 518-2307 – shaas@MineralArea.edu