Green Bay Reporter

Bayshore Arts Center, located on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Marinette Campus, is set to present "Junie B. Jones JR: The Musical" from October 9 to 12, 2025. The production will take place at the Herbert L. Williams Theatre and is open to audiences of all ages.

The musical follows Junie B. Jones as she starts first grade, facing changes such as her best friend Lucille finding new friends and meeting Herb, a new student. Junie also deals with challenges in Mr. Scary’s class, including difficulty reading the blackboard and possibly needing glasses. Other elements include interactions with a cafeteria worker, participation in a kickball tournament, and keeping a personal journal.

Jackie Nutter directs the show and described her experience leading the production: “Directing for the first time is an intimidating task,” said Nutter. “While the story already being written is a huge help (of course), bringing it to life using one’s own creative vision can be daunting. Any anxious feeling immediately left the building on the night of the first readthrough when I saw the excitement on the kids’ faces. I always left rehearsal feeling renewed and inspired, if not a little tired too! I continue to be blown away by the talent each one of these performers has.”

Nutter also acknowledged Assistant Director Kristena Schmitz’s contributions: “To say ‘assistant’ feels inadequate as I very much consider her my equal in this production. Her support, creativity, and ability to be the bad cop (when needed!) to my good cop was a pillar of support I cannot stress the appreciation of enough.”

Tickets are available at three price points: $22 for adults, $18 for children aged 14 and under, and $18 for seniors aged 55 and older. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office during its hours on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as one hour before each performance.

Bayshore Arts Center hosts several programs including Theatre on the Bay, Children’s Theatre, West Shore Chorale, and Fine Arts Gallery.

In November, Bayshore Arts Center will stage "Armistice," directed by Tony LaMalfa from November 6-9, 2025.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay serves approximately 11,500 students across undergraduate through doctoral levels and provides continuing education for about 100,000 learners annually. It offers over 200 academic degrees and certificates across four campuses in Northeast Wisconsin. More information about UW-Green Bay can be found at www.uwgb.edu.