Jose Restrepo, Veronica Reyes, Gabrielle Ruiz Star in Free, Feline-Friendly Skippyjon Jones, Starting July 17

By Andrew Gans
17 Jul 2012

Gabrielle Ruiz
Gabrielle Ruiz

Theatreworks USA, the nation's leading not-for-profit professional theatre for young audiences, presents the premiere of the new children's musical Skippyjon Jones, which begins performances July 17 at Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Directed by Peter Flynn and choreographed by Devanand Janki, the production will officially open July 25. Performances will continue through Aug. 17.

Skippyjon Jones features music by Eli Bolin with book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila.

The cast includes Austen Nash Boone as Skippyjon Jones, Jose Restrepo as Mama Junebug/Polka Dot-ito/Alfredo Buzzito, Veronica Reyes as Jezebel/Poquito Tito, Gabrielle Ruiz as Ju-Ju Bee/Rosalita and Graham Stevens as Jilly Boo/Don Diego. Melanie Beck and Marcelo Pereira are the understudies.

"Skippyjon Jones wants to be the best Chihuahua ever," according to press notes. "The only problem: he’s actually a Siamese cat. Before you can say 'holy guacamole,' Skippyjon's wild imagination transforms him into El Skippito Friskito, the greatest sword fighter in Mexico!" The musical is based on the popular picture book series of the same name by Judy Schachner.

The production also features scenic design by Rob Odorisio, costumes by Tracy Christensen, lighting design by Jeff Croiter and sound design by Carl Casella. Orchestrations are by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle, the latter of whom also is music director.

Skippyjon Jones is a 60-minute, one-act musical recommended for children ages four and up. Show times are Monday-Friday at 10:30 AM and 1 PM and Sunday at 2 PM and 4:30 PM.

Tickets are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis in-person at the Lucille Lortel Theatre Box Office (121 Christopher Street) on the day of the performance. Tickets for each day's performances will be distributed beginning one hour prior to the first performance of the day. There is a limit of four tickets per adult per day.

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Launched in 1989, the mission of Theatreworks USA's Free Summer Theatre Program is to "provide New York City youth with their own theatre tradition that not only entertains, but also educates and fosters positive value and an appreciation for theatre."