Interview with the Director of “Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder,” Allison Rozell

After the opening of “Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder,” we checked in with Director Allison Rozell, to ask about the show.

Question 1: Why did you want to direct this show?

It’s Junie B. Jones!! Not only did I grow up reading Junie B. Jones and loving the series as a kid, but I also was drawn to the quirkiness and imaginative world. Junie B. sends a very important message to children that making mistakes is a natural part of learning the world, and stumbling through a tough time doesn’t dim your sparkle.

Question 2: How would you describe your vision for this production?

I wanted to invite the audience into the colorful mind of Junie B., herself, as she recalls some exciting days at school with all the glorious and spontaneous story-telling habits of a child with a lot to say. A world exaggerated with 2d and larger-than-life props, bold colors, and endearing characters, I wanted the visuals of our play to match the nostalgic feeling of audiences reading their favorite book and feeling the story lift off the page.

Question 3: How has the rehearsal process been for this show? What has been exciting? What has been challenging?

I wanted to invite the audience into the colorful mind of Junie B., herself, as she recalls some exciting days at school with all the glorious and spontaneous story-telling habits of a child with a lot to say. A world exaggerated with 2d and larger-than-life props, bold colors, and endearing characters, I wanted the visuals of our play to match the nostalgic feeling of audiences reading their favorite book and feeling the story lift off the page.

Question 4: What has been your favorite moment so far?

How can I pick a favorite?! My hopes for this production were dependent on a strong ensemble cast, and I remember the rush of relief during our first rehearsal and seeing the kid’s click instantly. (Perhaps with the help of hot chocolate and snacks, but whose to say…) I love seeing them bond over performing! I’ll always cherish sweet moments like when we started blocking the “both Junie’s onstage simultaneously” scenes and hearing Star and Rayna giggle with joy or seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when they learned they get to color the playground set onstage. Strong honorable mentions include seeing the adult actors sharing the pre-show and backstage excitement with the kiddos, and everyone’s first reactions to the Baby Ollie puppet (Thank you S&D props!). As a long time performing theatric, it feels like I got to fall in love with theatre all over again from seeing the excitement and joy in the kid’s eyes.

Question 5: What should the audience be excited about seeing or experiencing at your show?

Seeing how the world of Junie B. Jones comes to life on our stage and laughing their socks off from “lights up” to “bows”! The cast does a phenomenal job at portraying their characters and the giggles will be endless!

Visit here to learn more about “Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder” and to get your tickets today.