'Junie B. Jones,' starring JAO students, one night only

Jewish Academy of Orlando presents Junie B. Jones-The Musical. This full-scale musical production will be presented one night only on May 23, at 7 p.m. at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford. This high-energy show is based on Barbara Park's best-selling children's books. It follows the sassy but always endearing Junie B. Jones, played by JAO fifth grader Sophia Scheinberg, as she takes on the trials and tribulations of first grade, from best pal drama to getting her first pair of glasses. The production is fast-paced, full of catchy songs, and will entertain the entire family.

"We take tremendous pride in our theater program, and we put a lot of TLC into each show that we do," said the show's director Eric Levine. "All the elements are there, from the professional sound and lighting to the costumes and sets. But a show is only as good as its performers, and our children (many as young as seven years old) just shine on that stage."

Alan Rusonik, Jewish Academy's head of school, added, "Our theater program, led by the very talented Eric Levine, is like no other elementary school production. Our students not only sing, dance, and act, they also develop important areas like self-confidence, public speaking, and teamwork. And it's all put together in a Broadway-style production that anyone in the community would enjoy."

Tickets for Junie B. Jones start at $15 each and are available by calling the box office at 407-321-8111 or by visiting wdpac.com/special-performances.

Jewish Academy of Orlando serves central Florida students of all faiths from grades kindergarten through fifth. The school delivers a whole-child education fostering academic excellence and character education rooted in Jewish values. Jewish Academy of Orlando is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools. Beginning in fall of 2019, the school will offer a transitional kindergarten.

To learn more about Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: jewishacademyorlando.org or follow the school on Facebook facebook.com/JewishAcademyOrlando.