Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Junie B. is excited for the Holiday Sing-Along and gift exchange at school. Then a first-grade disaster strikes! Junie B. draws Tattletale May’s name for the classroom gift exchange. Will she use this as a chance to teach May a lesson, or do the right thing and choose not be a “shellfish” person?

Four ways to see Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

In-person preview: Nov. 4, 2021
Thanks to our sponsor, Nationwide, we were able to offer a limited number of discounted tickets for preview night. Please note this show is being presented in the John Viars Theatre to allow for distancing.

In-person: Nov. 5-14, 2021
Please note this show is being presented in the John Viars Theatre to allow for distancing

Our safety guide has been updated and reflects these main changes.

  1. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 regardless of vaccination status for performances of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! Volunteers and guests who do not comply will not be admitted and tickets or tuition will be refunded.
  2. The Playhouse will seat at full capacity if demand warrants.
  3. The Playhouse will make adjustments where possible at the time of the performance for those who prefer greater seating distance from other guests.
  4. Seating will begin at 6:30 PM for Friday evening shows, 12:30 PM for the early Saturday and Sunday matinees, and 3:30 PM for the later Saturday and Sunday matinees.
  5. There will be no autographs after the show.

Please note: The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such we are monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which we are subject. Based on CDC and state guidelines at the time of your event, protocols may include mask enforcement, social distancing, or more. Volunteers and guests who do not comply with Playhouse policies will not be admitted and guest tickets will be refunded. Click here to download our full safety guide updated Aug. 31, 2021.

Opening night livestream: 7:00 PM, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

Video-on-Demand: Available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, through Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021

Video-on-demand (VOD) guidance

  • When you order VOD, you will receive a link in the Your Confirmation email. Once you start viewing you have 24 hours to complete the video.
  • The video can be cast to your smart TV if your TV can accept casting. (The newer models do.) Or if you have ROKU or Chromecast, they too can accept your casting.
  • There are three cameras in The Playhouse’s John Viars Theatre. While there are some varied angles, there are no movie/Hamilton on Disney+ close-ups. This is not a film; it is a recording of a live theatre production.

 

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

 

Click here to download a digital Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! P Bill Jr. The Download Playbill link below is for the main playbill.

Performance Times:
7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays
School Matinees:
9:30 AM & Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021
Theatre:
Kate Goldman Children's Theatre Presented in the John Viars Theatre
Run Time:
80 minutes including a 15-minute intermission
Content Advisory:
Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

In the News

Broadway World review, Nov. 9, 2021

Des Musicals podcast review, Nov. 12, 2021

Company

  • Elf Ellen

    Payton Boesch

    Elf Ellen
  • Lucille

    Ruth Christie

    Lucille
  • Miss Toot

    Anastasia Deace

    Miss Toot
  • Junie B. Jones

    Emmersyn Gustafson

    Junie B. Jones
  • Sheldon

    Harper Hagins

    Sheldon
  • Ms. Scary / Assistant Director

    Rachel Meyer

    Ms. Scary / Assistant Director
  • Grampa Miller / Jose / Philip Johnny Bob

    Sergio Puente

    Grampa Miller / Jose / Philip Johnny Bob
  • Herb

    Jackson Ransom

    Herb
  • May

    Amaya Veldkamp

    May
  • Director

    Jen Green

    Director
  • Scenic Designer

    Nicholas Amundson

    Scenic Designer
  • Costume Designer

    Angela Lampe

    Costume Designer
  • Lighting Designer

    Chris Hanian

    Lighting Designer
  • Properties Designer

    Ellen Harvey

    Properties Designer
  • Stage Manager

    Ellie Wellman

    Stage Manager
  • Assistant Properties Designer

    Dawnetta McGowan

    Assistant Properties Designer
  • Assistant Stage Manager

    Olivia Burkhart

    Assistant Stage Manager
  • Playhouse Artistic Director

    Katy Merriman

    Playhouse Artistic Director

Photos/Video

  • Emmersyn Gustafson (second from right) is Junie B. Jones, with classmates (from left) Ruth Christie as Lucille, Harper Hagins as Sheldon, Jackson Ransom as Herb, Amaya Veldkamp as May, Sergio Puente as José, and Rachel Meyer as Ms. Scary in Junie B. Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Nov. 5-14, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

  • Emmersyn Gustofson (left) is Junie B. Jones with Rachel Meyer, middle, as Ms. Scary and Harper Hagins, right, as Sheldon, in Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Nov. 5-14, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

  • Emmersyn Gustafson (left) is Junie B. Jones, with classmates (from left) Sergio Puente as José, Jackson Ransom as Herb, Ruth Christie as Lucille, Harper Hagins as Sheldon, and Amaya Veldkamp as May in Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Nov. 5-14, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

  • Emmersyn Gustafson (front center) is Junie B. Jones with (from left) Sergio Puente as José, Amaya Veldkamp as May, Jackson Ransom as Herb, Ruth Christie as Lucille, Harper Hagins as Sheldon, and Rachel Meyer as Ms. Scary in Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Nov. 5-14, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

Press Release

Des Moines Playhouse Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Oct. 24, 2021

Subject: The Des Moines Playhouse Presents: Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

Photos available at https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/junie-b-in-jingle-bells-batman-smells/ beginning Oct. 26, 2021

Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing & Public Relations Director, 515-974-5358

 

The Kate Goldman Children's Theatre at The Des Moines Playhouse opens its 27th season with Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Nov. 5-14, 2021. Tickets for in-person performances are available at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515.277.6261. Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is performed in the John Viars Theatre and is sponsored by Nationwide.

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Junie B. is excited for the Holiday Sing-Along and gift exchange at school. Then a first-grade disaster strikes! Junie B. draws Tattletale May's name. Will she use this as a chance to teach May a lesson, or do the right thing and choose to not be a “shellfish” person?

 

The Playhouse cast, under the direction of Jen Green, includes Ann Barfels, Payton Boesch, Ruth Christie, Anastasia Deace, Emmersyn Gustafson, harper Hagins, Sergio Puente, Jackson Ransom, and Amaya Veldkamp.

 

Masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status, for Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells. Guests who do not comply will not be admitted and tickets will be refunded. The Playhouse will seat at full capacity if demand warrants, and will make adjustments where possible at the time of the performance for those who prefer greater seating distance from other guests. The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such is monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which the theatre is subject.

The Playhouse vision, as Iowa's largest producing theatre, is to be a vital part of a collaborative, energized, and engaged community that values art in its culture, particularly because of the contributions of high-quality avocational, educational, and entertaining theatre experiences. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For up-to-date information and general guidelines, visit The Playhouse website at dmplayhouse.com or contact The Playhouse at 515.277.6261.

 

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Nov. 5-14, 2021

Performances: 7:00 PM Fridays, 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Tickets start at $14

Purchase at dmplayhouse.com

Opening night livestream, Nov. 5, 2021, and video-on-demand, Nov. 9-14, 2021, available; information at dmplayhouse.com

Show Credits

By Allison Gregory

Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc., www.playscripts.com

Sponsored by

  • Nationwide