Roanoke Children’s Theatre is putting on a production of ”Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” at the Taubman starting today through the 23rd.

Description: By Allison Gregory, adapted from the book by Barbara Park. First Grader Junie B. Jones can’t decide how she feels about the holidays – but as a Secret Santa, she hatches a plan! A refreshing new story for the season, this fun-filled show has laughs to spare.

Date: Dec 06 – 23rd, 2012

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM  & Matinees Dec 11-13; 18-20 @ 2PM

Age: All Ages

Cost: $12 for Children and $18 for Adults. Click here to purchase tickets.

Where: Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave, Roanoke, VA,  24011

Contact:  (540) 224-1200

My daughter has brought home a Junie B. Jones book from the school library every week for the past month. This week she brought home “Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May).” She gets a kick out of repeating that title over and over.

We’re only on chapter two, but so far she’s enjoyed the story. She relates to Junie B. not getting along with another student, but at the same time realizes that Junie B. is not always in the right. I’m enjoying reading the book and watching her reaction to the characters.

The Roanoke Children’s Theatre in October did “Pinkalicious: The Musical” based on the books by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann and in May of next year will be doing “Stuart Little” based on the book by E.B. White.

I haven’t been to any of these shows, but love the idea of  theater productions for children based on beloved books.

Have you been to any of these? Would you recommend them? What other books would you like to see made into a play or musical?