Junie B. Jones, the central character in a series of children's books by Barbara Park, has been a controversial figure since her creation. An outspokenly rude, entitled, narcissistic, manipulative child shown from early childhood through the First Grade, she is nonetheless a popular character.
And in Allison Gregory's stage adaptation of Junie B. Jones Toothless Wonder, currently on offer at Prattville's Way Off Broadway Theatre, she more than lives up to the hype in Katie Register's unabashed characterization. Taking center stage for its hour and a half duration, audiences either love her or hate her -- and perhaps that's the point.
In a nutshell: Junie B. Jones draws all attention to herself, whether it's about her loose tooth, her friendships [and enemies] among her peers, her position in her family, or her not getting an invitation to a classmate's birthday party. How she handles matters is questionable, and audiences are eager to see her responses and whether any life lessons can be learned.
Director Melissa Strickland's able cast [most of them playing both children and adults], create recognizable characters through broad physical and personality traits that give them individuality. Elizabeth Bowles, Bre Gentry, Chace Harris, Lynn Parker, Josh Register, Tori Ward, and Gavin Winn comprise the ensemble supporting Ms. Register. -- They're especially adept at mimicking childlike innocence and honesty.
Lessons about sharing and caring for others, and being open to learning how to be a better person, are ones both grown-ups and children could benefit from.
Though scene changes could be more efficient, the time passes quickly due to the energetic actors on stage, whose commitment to their roles and to the storytelling are excellent.
