Deptford Actress marks her Walnut Street Theatre debut in "Skippyjon Jones"

Musical adventure hits the stage this week at Walnut Street Theatre for Kids with Skippyjon Jones. Skippyjon, a Siamese kitten whose ears are big and whose dreams are bigger, will capture the hearts of kids and their grown-up friends in an hour-long musical about the power of imagination.

Deptford resident Rachel Gitel will take the Walnut’s stage for the first time as Mama Junebug Jones and Rosalita in the show. Gitel has been seen on stage at numerous theatres across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Montgomery Theater and Allens Lane Theater.

Always striving to be different, Skippyjon Jones believes that his big ears make him look like a Chihuahua. When his Mama—played by Gitel—sends him to his room to think about behaving like the cat he really is, Skippyjon transforms himself into Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in Old Mexico. His wild imagination leads him on a heroic quest to save Los Chimichangos, a friendly pack of Chihuahuas, from Alfredo Buzzito, the gigantic bumblebee.

Skippyjon Jones teaches young audiences that good things come when we face our fears, follow our dreams and dare to be different. A book signing by Skippyjon Jones’ Philadelphia-based author, Judy Schachner will follow performances this Saturday, April 1.

Skippyjon Jones runs from March 31 to April 22 at Walnut Street Theatre. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Photo 1: Samantha Deutsch and Rachel Gitel in Skippyjon Jones at Walnut Street Theatre for Kids. Photo by Mark Garvin.