Childsplay returns to the Tempe Center for the Arts with the wonderful Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
kids holiday shows at tempe center for the arts
Performances of Junie B. will be held at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway from now until December 28, Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m.
Special holiday performances will also be held on Tuesday, December 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wednesday, December 24 at 2 p.m.
Single tickets start at $15 and are on sale now at www.childsplayaz.org or at the Tempe Center for the Arts Box Office (480) 350-2822 (ext. 0).
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is a great play for kids, especially those familiar with the books and the Tempe Center for the Arts is the perfect place to see a kids play, as it’s not too big, so all the seats are good.
the story
Life for a first grader can be stressful, especially if you’re Junie B. Jones! The show first takes place in October where Mr. Scary’s class is gearing up for their Columbus Day performance. We learn Junie B. has a strong dislike of her classmate, May because May is a bit of a tattletale. If you know Junie B., then you know there is a lot to tattle about. Sheldon, “richie” Lucille, Junie B.’s best friend Herb, and Jose round out the rest of the class.
For their performance, the kids get to chose to be a ship, Christopher Columbus, or Queen Isabella. Junie B. is set on being the Santa Maria, because it is the fastest ship. May wants to be the Mayflower, but has to settle for the Pinta, and Sheldon gladly plays the Nina. Jose plays Christopher Columbus, and of course Lucille chooses to be the Queen. What ensues next caused rolling laughter from the audience, and ended up being my daughter’s favorite part of the play.
Fast forward to December and it’s time for Secret Santa selections. Junie B. draws May’s name and she’s certainly not happy about it. She has no idea what type of present to get someone she doesn’t like. After a trip to the school’s holiday boutique, Junie B. finds the perfect gift – for herself. The “Squeeze-A-Burp.” This coveted gift costs $5, the exact amount Junie B. has, leaving her no money to buy a present for May.
After careful thought and consideration, Junie B. decides to give May a lump of coal {a charcoal briquette from her father’s barbeque.} This part made my daughter very anxious because she knew how wrong it was {I guess I should be happy about that, right?} Will Junie B. make the right choice, or will she give May a lump of coal. You’ll have to see it to find out!
