The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre

Production Photo by Bruce Douglas

The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre-MTC is a pure delight for the senses.  The show tells the classic story of young Mowgli, the man-cub based on the stories by Rudyard Kipling and director Shirley Serotsky adapts the fable in this exciting, engaging performance for families. 

Orphaned in the jungle as an infant and adopted by a wolf pack, young Mowgli the man-cub is taught the Laws of the Jungle by Baloo, the bear, and Bagheera, the panther. As Mowgli discovers himself and his place as a human, the jungle’s greatest menace, the Bengal Tiger Shere Khan, prepares to finish the kill he abandoned years ago. (Official Press Release) 

We were thoroughly impressed by the animated, entertaining cast that constantly had the audience laughing and interested. The set was colorful, sound effects were authentic, and the costumes were great.  I enjoyed the talented, multi-ethnic cast and crew and found the overall story to be very well told. My kids loved the humor of the silly monkeys, lovable Mowgli, wise wolves, the vibrant Baloo the bear and enticing Kaa the snake. 

Although Shere Khan is killed at the end by a stampede, it is appropriately done for young audiences. All the audience hears is stomping and then Shere Khan's hat is left on the stage to symbolize his dead body.  To be honest, the fact that he was actually killed went over my 4 year old's head.  

I would recommend this show for ages 4 and up, but we did see some younger toddlers in the audience that seemed to be engaged throughout the entire 55 minute performance.  Parents know their children best.

Show details:

The Jungle Book
April 4-May 25, 2014
www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org  
Tickets are $19 each, with group and field trip rates available. (Children under the age of 1 are free.)

***All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.   

Photos by Bruce Douglas