Children's story springs to life as Skippyjon Jones musical in Naperville

Skippyjon Jones loves to pretend.

Sure, he may have been a kitten when his mom sent him to his room. But in his mind's eye, he's a Chihuahua and sometimes he's in Mexico fighting off banditos.

This weekend, the make-believe starts in Naperville.

The star character of The New York Times Best-Selling children's books really will be in Naperville at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, where a musical about his adventures begins at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, as part of a national tour.

Based on the book series by Judy Schachner, siamese cat Skippyjon Jones is a small kitten with big ears who thinks he's more like a Chihuahua than a cat. The only boy in a litter of girl cats, Skippyjon Jones dreams of anywhere but home.

“It's the most bizarre, quirky story you can imagine,” said Kevin Del Aguila, the musical's writer and lyricist with Theatreworks USA. “When they first told me about it, I thought, ‘What are you talking about?' But it's very fun. ”

Skippyjon Jones comes to life on stage with the help of five actors clad in vibrant colors. The set is colored in pastels, like the books.

“It really looks like the book coming to life in front of you,” Del Aguila said. “If you ever want to be introduced to Skippyjon Jones, this is the way to do it.”

Whether he's donning a mask, cape and accent and transforming into El Skippito Friskito in old Mexico or running into trouble with the other chihuahuas against Alfredo Buzzito El Blimpo Bumblebeeto Bandito, Skippyjon Jones uses lots of Spanish and English mashups that appeal to a wide age range of readers.

Although it's geared toward children ages kindergarten through third grade, the appeal goes way beyond, Del Aguila said.

“The language of it is just so fun,” he said. “I was looking forward to writing it because it seemed like a really fun opportunity to have a language gymnastics.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 children.

An ice cream reception takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the day of the performance for an additional $2 per ticket.

For information, call (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu/show.

If you go

What: Skippyjon Jones

When: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

Where: Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville

Cost: $10 adults, $5 children

Info: (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu/show