Photo Flash: SCR's JUNIE B. JONES AND A LITTLE MONKEY BUS

South Coast Repertory will present Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business as part of its Theatre for Young Audience series, runs through November 22 on the Julianne Argyros stage. Directed by Casey Stangl, with book, music and lyrics by Joan Cushing, the musical is based on the second in Park's Junie B. Jones series. Low-priced previews are available through Nov. 13. Opening day is Nov. 14.

In A Little Monkey Business, Junie has two problems: First, she has made some pretty big promises about a show-and-tell surprise, but she has nothing to bring. Second, she's about to have a baby brother or sister, which threatens her position as Number One in her parents' affections. Not to mention the fact that babies, as everyone knows, smell like P.U. The Washington Post called the musical, "A treat in Crayola colors ... Tuneful, funny, and bouncy like kids with ants in their pants ... A child's play for all ages."

Stangl, in addition to her award-winning work in opera and film, has directed on many Southern California stages, including the Falcon Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Pacific Resident Theatre and Ensemble Studio Theatre. She has directed nationally at the Guthrie Theater, Denver Center Theater Company and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. For 12 years, she served as Artistic Director of Eye of the Storm Theatre Company in Minneapolis, and was named "Artist of the Year" by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune.

Jamey Hood, who was last seen on SCR's stage as Shadow the Crayon in Imagine, plays the title role of Junie B. Jones. Dawn-Lyen Gardner portrays Junie B.'s best friend, That Grace. Four actors will create multiple characters: Brian Hostenske takes on the roles of Principal, Junie B.'s father and Crybaby William; Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper plays Grampa Miller and Meanie Jim; Jennifer Parsons is Grandma Miller and Junie B.'s kindergarten teacher, known simply as Mrs.; and Erika Whalen plays Junie B.'s mother and Lucille.

Rounding out the production's creative ensemble are Deborah Wicks La Puma (musical director), Keith Mitchell (set design), Jaymi Smith (lighting design), Sara Ryung Clement (costume design) and Kimberly Egan (sound design), and Jennifer Ellen Butler (stage manager).

The Corporate Honorary Producer is Bank of America, and OC Family is SCR's Theatre for Young Audiences Media Partner.

SCR's Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) presents three professional productions each season designed especially for children and their families. In addition to the public performances, TYA hosts over 10,000 students from elementary schools annually in an effort to introduce the next generation to the magic of live theater.

TICKETS to Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business can be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or by visiting the box office at 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. Performances began Nov 6 and continue through Nov. 22. Ticket prices range from $17 to $29. Low-priced preview performances are available from Nov. 6-13.