SLIPPERY ROCK, PA — Junie B. Jones once said, "Books are my favorite things in the whole world!" Adapted from the popular childhood book series, a musical theater production at Slippery Rock University will offer audiences who favor books, music and theater a world to experience. The SRU Theatre Department will present five performances of "Junie B. Jones, the Musical," February 28 to March 4, in the Stoner East Black Box Theater.

Show times and dates are 7:30 p.m., February 28 and March 3-4, and 2 p.m., March 1-2. Tickets cost $12 for SRU students and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets or in person at the Stoner East ticket counter up to one hour before each performance.

Kandence Storms, a sophomore theatre major from Shohola, PA, is participating.

Directed by Kari-Anne Innes, an SRU assistant professor of theatre, "Junie B. Jones, the Musical" follows the title character as she faces changes on her first day of first grade: her friend Lucille no longer wants to be her best friend and Junie may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.

"Junie B. Jones deals with some of the same things college students do-changing friend groups, realizing you might need accommodations, and finding the courage to tackle what feels impossible," said Innes. "Having college students play these roles, I hope the audience sees themselves in the production and realizes that first grade struggles aren't so different from our own. The key difference is that first-graders face challenges with creativity and optimism. My hope is that the audience reconnects with those childhood qualities, helping them stay curious and joyful."

"Junie B. Jones, the Musical" book and lyrics are by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich and it is based on the book series by Barabara Park. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International.

For more information about theatre programs at SRU, visit the Theatre Department's webpage.

Slippery Rock University is a four-year, public, coeducational, regional comprehensive university that offers a broad array of undergraduate and select graduate programs to more than 8,000 students. SRU is one of 10 institutions and 14 campuses that make up Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. SRU is fully accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Learning.

Founded in 1889, SRU is shaped by its teaching (normal) school heritage. For more than 130 years, the university has embraced the same hard-working, tenacious personality espoused by the people of western Pennsylvania. With a steadfast yet adaptable commitment to intellectual development, leadership and civic responsibility, SRU provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that helps them become engaged citizens and succeed in their lives and professional careers.

Located in western Pennsylvania, the 660-acre campus is less than an hour's drive north of Pittsburgh, one hour south of Erie, and 45 minutes east of Youngstown, Ohio. Two major highways, I-79 and I-80, intersect 10 miles from the University, conveniently linking it to the entire commonwealth and its contiguous regions.