Literary icon Ramona Quimby garners spotlight on JMU stage

Life is no picnic, and growing up sure isn't easy for Beverly Cleary's childhood star "Ramona Quimby," whose story is coming to life this Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilson Hall Auditorium.

Theatreworks USA's production of "Ramona Quimby" not only will "tickle the audience's funny bone, but it is also intended to integrate issues that real families encounter daily," according to Jerry Weaver, executive assistant to the dean of the College of Arts & Letters.

According to Weaver, who is responsible for bringing the Theatreworks USA production to JMU, Cleary's books appear in over 20 countries in 14 different languages and she has been awarded over 35 statewide awards from her young readers.

At age 13, title character Ramona is faced with many childhood challenges — her dad loses his job, her older sister Beezus is a huge pain, her teacher dislikes her, and her Aunt Bea may be about to marry a dork. Life seems to be a mess for Ramona, but with the support of her family and friends, she surpasses its challenges and entertains her audiences of all ages.

Cleary has won numerous awards for her contributions to children's literature, and her books "Ramona and Her Father" and "Ramona Quimby, Age 8" received Newbery Honors.

The play is directed by Ruth E. Kramer of Theatreworks USA and written by Len Jenkins, a playwright, screenwriter and director who received three of Off Broadway's highest honor Obie Awards, according to www.villagevoice.com/obies.

"Theatreworks USA has been doing performances at JMU for about five years," Weaver said. "We have done one to two shows with them each year, all of which have been well reviewed.

"We try to look for familiar titles and availability," he said. "We'd like to find things people can identify with."

Tickets are $5 for students and children, $9 for seniors and $11 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the Wilson Hall Box Office, at the door or by phone at x8-7000 or (887) 201-7543.