I received complimentary tickets in exchange for my honest opinion.
When young Mowgli crawls into a den of wolves to escape Shere Khan, an angry tiger, he finds safety and a home in the jungle. As he grows, his adoptive family enlists the help of Bagheera the leopard and Baloo the bear to teach Mowgli how to survive and get along in the jungle. While strict Bageheera and playful Baloo work together to teach Mowgli the rules of honorable behavior, a band of mischievous monkeys trick him into thinking they want to be friends. When they trick him and leave him at the bottom of a well, Mowgli must use what he has learned from his teachers to get out - and he must use those lessons and more when Shere Khan turns the wolf pack against him. In the end, Mowgli learns the importance of respecting both the environment and the animals around him - and realizes that as an adult, it will be his responsibility to protect them.
“The Jungle Book lives because who doesn't wonder what it would be like to grow up in the forest, talking and playing with the animals,” explains Director Janet Stanford. “Mowgli leads us on a fantastic adventure full of comedy, drama, and profound discoveries about what it means to be human.”
Imagination Stage recommends this show for ages 4 and up. I brought my five year old son to the show with me and he loved it - though he was also scared when Mowgli was in danger. His favorite part was the monkeys, owing very much to his own love of mischief. He also loved seeing young Mowgli crawl and play with his adopted wolf family. As a parent, I related very much to Bagheera and Baloo trying to get young Mowgli to focus as they teach him the ways of the jungle.
In the midst of all the fun is a powerful message about the importance of being a good citizen and asking for (and giving) help in times of need. Many moments in the show will make for excellent conversation starters with kids after the show. Imagination Stage has also created a great activity guide to get the conversations started!
The Jungle Book runs through May 28, 2017 in Imagination Stage’s Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre. Tickets start at $10, and may be purchased online, at the Imagination Stage box office, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are also available.
Special Opportunities:
Sensory Friendly: May 7 at 11 am
Please call 301-280-1660 for more information and to ensure proper seat location.
Special Saturday Night Performance: May 20 at 7:00 pm
Design your own animal mask before the show!
Open Captioning: May 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Please call 301-280-1660 for more information and to ensure proper seat location.
ASL-interpreted: May 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Please call 301-280-1660 for more information and to ensure proper seat location.
