Emerald City Theatre: Ramona Quimby

Ramona Geraldine Quimby was never meant for the big time. Author Beverley Cleary created her almost by 'accident', for her Henry Huggins series of books. Since then Ramona has taken on a life of her own, becoming Cleary's most successful character. The eight novels in which she's now starred follow her progress from pestering toddler to a less pestering 10 old, and explores all the challenges of growing up that she encounters along the way. There was even a movie adaptation starring Selena Gomez.

Now Ramona has found her way to the stage. Adapted by Lens Jenkin, this work focuses on the start of Third Grade, and there's a catalogue of issues piling up for Ramona: She isn't too sure her teacher likes her, there's a boy at school who steals her eraser and dad is trying to give up smoking. The play tackles all these problems in an honest and touching manner, mixing them up with a generous sprinkle of slapstick comedy and a soundtrack of classic pop songs.

Of special note is the ingenious designed by Michelle Lilly which brings the illustrations of the novels to vivid life. Emerald City Theatre's mission statement is to deal with serious childhood issues in an engaging and ultimately fun way, and Ramona Quimby achieves this absolutely.