Local Theatre Stages New Adaptation of "The Jungle Book"

English author Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book in 1893 for his young daughter, Josephine. More than a hundred years later, it continues to enchant children of all ages.

Born in India, Kipling spent the first six years of his life as a wide-eyed adventurer in this vibrant and mesmerizing land, where the line between civilization and wilderness could easily be crossed.

As was the custom, his parents soon sent him to boarding school in England. This separation from his family and birthplace left young Kipling feeling like an outsider in a strange land. Later, the experience would inspire the famous character of "Mowgli," the young, lost boy cared for by animals in the jungle.

The story's theme of finding one's way in a new, frightening place is certainly relevant in our modern world. But the timeless appeal of The Jungle Book can also be attributed to Kipling's powerful ability to weave other messages into an exciting work of entertainment that inspires the imagination.

In this new musical adaptation of the original work, concepts ranging from the freedom of the individual to the triumph of good over evil are all present.

Also present is a cast of nearly twenty local volunteer performers of all ages, transformed from everyday people to the colorful animal characters Mowgli meets on his journey deep into the jungle.

Will Mowgli be able to outwit the mischievous monkeys and the powerful python, Kaa, while escaping from the claws of the vengeful tiger, Shere Khan? With the help of his friends Baloo, the bear, Bagheera, the panther and Akela, the wolf, he just might.

Director Drew Eberhard promises an experience that will delight audiences of all ages. "Expect beautiful dances, incredible musical moments, and lots of heart and love," he said. When asked for the overall message of the show, Eberhard added "no matter our differences, we are all connected."

A recent sneak peek at the stage set in the group's intimate 80-seat theatre revealed an immersive feat of creativity that will surround theatre-goers with the sights and colors of the deep jungle.

Audiences will also have several special opportunities to learn about wildlife through an educational partnership planned with area advocacy groups, including Big Cat Rescue, Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, and Shy Wolf Sanctuary. The organizations will have educational exhibits and will lead special talks after each opening weekend performance.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park, a sponsor of the production, will be giving away two free admissions to the zoo to randomly chosen audience members at every performance of the musical.

The production is presented with the support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

The Jungle Book, with music by BB Cooper, book & lyrics by Toby Hulse, and original lyrics by Rudyard Kipling, opens at Carrollwood Players Theatre on Friday, May 31st, with 11 performances through June 22nd. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm.

Tickets are $27 for adults, or $24 for students, seniors, and military. A group rate of $23 per ticket is available when ten or more tickets are purchased in the same transaction, for the same performance. Tickets can be purchased online with no service fees.

Carrollwood Players Theatre is Tampa's longest operating, non-profit, volunteer-driven community theatre, and is located at 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa, Florida, 33618.

Photos courtesy of Beth Behner, Opal Burritt and Big Cat Rescue.