“Henry and Ramona” Takes Audiences to a Simpler Time

March 6th through 14th Chicago Street Theatre invites audiences of all ages to join them to step back in time to take a trip down Klickitat Street with the heroes of Beverly Cleary's popular Newbery Award-winning book series- Henry and Ramona. The play, faithfully adapted by Cynthia J. McGean is based on several of the books depicting life in the author's home town of Portland, Oregon during the 1950's. Chicago Street is delighted to bring the adventures of Cleary's characters: Henry Huggins, his dog Ribsy, Ramona Quimby "The Pest" and her long-suffering sister Beezus to life for this limited two week engagement.

The first book of the series, Henry Huggins which was published in 1950 and was written as a response to a complaint Cleary had overheard while working as a librarian. A group of boys voiced that they were frustrated by there not being enough stories about "real boys" like themselves. Although the author's original intent was to create stories for boys through the adventures of Henry, she ended up creating a supporting cast of characters whose popularity led to more books and numerous writing awards.

Cleary has written over 30 published books with her Henry Huggins series running from 1950-1964 and books about Ramona Quimby running from 1955-1999. In addition to her series involving the inhabitants of Klickitat Street, she is also know for the adventures of Ralph- The Mouse on a Motorcycle. The author who is 98, was named Library of Congress Living Legend in 2000 and received the National Medal of Arts in 2003 for her contribution to children's literature.

The stage adaptation combines some of the best known stories in the Henry and Ramona series. "CST chose the play to be part of our 60th anniversary season, because so many generations have grown up with these books," says Eric Brant, Director of Marketing, "Like A Charlie Brown Christmas, this is one of those nostalgic shows that connects with a part everyone's history- young and old."

To celebrate CST's "Diamond Anniversary", Director, Kari-Anne Innes has set the play in 1955, the year the theatre group began. She is also paying tribute to the 20th anniversary of Chicago Street's Children's Theatre Works programming by assembling a cast of young actors to portray the kids in the story. "Even though it has been a lot of work, this cast is so excited to be playing these characters that they all know and love," said Innes

Featured in the cast are: Jack Schwartz (Valparaiso) as Henry; Katy Webber (Hobart) and Aleksandra Ramon (Portage) as Beezus/Mary Jane; Lauren Brant (Valparaiso) and Cadence Orange (Chesterton) as Ramona/Lisa Kelly; Nathan Kirk (Valparaiso) as Scooter; Conley Knauff (Valparaiso) as Max; Michael Thomas (Michigan City) as Murph; Connor Phutawon (Winfield) as Robert; Jillian Joy Davison (Valparaiso) as Judy; and Jakob Innes (Valparaiso) as Ribsy/Sean. Adults in the cast include: Tony Thomas (Michigan City) as Mr. Huggins; Angela Wehner (Valparaiso) as Mrs. Huggins; Jim Drader (Valparaiso) as Mr. Capper; and Beverly Hill Wilhelm (Valparaiso) as Mrs. Peabody.

Tickets are available online at ChicagoStreet.org or through the CST Box Office at 219-464-1636 X1. Box Office Hours are weekdays 10 AM to 2 PM and two hours prior to performance times. Performances are: Friday, March 6 and 13 at 7 PM; Saturday, March 7 and 14 at 2:30 PM and 7 PM; Sunday, March 8 at 2:30 and 5:30 PM; and Thursday, March 12 at 7 PM. An Opening Night Reception with the cast and crew will follow the show on Friday, March 6 at the theatre with pizza provided by J.J.'s Pizza Shack. On Thursday, March 12 the audience can discuss the play with the cast as part of CST's Thursday Talkback series following the show. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $10 for Students, Seniors and Groups of 10 or more.

Chicago Street Theatre hopes the community will come and celebrate their Anniversary Season with one of the best-loved children's book series of all time.