Mowgli and Tigers and a Bear Delight in The Jungle Book

The Cortellucci Family Theatre was transformed into a jungle for the Lower School production of The Jungle Book which ran on May 14 and 15. Young thespians brought Rudyard Kipling’s classic story to life, prowling as Bengal tiger Shere Khan and evading danger as Mowgli. The play ended with their take on the classic song, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” “Throughout the production, the boys were really supportive of each other's roles, which I love to hear because then it just popcorns around the room,” says Lower School drama teacher and play director Jen Johnson. 

While the boys were exploring their characters and learning their lines, Ms. Johnson saw the production reach a whole different level once the costumes arrived. “They were waiting in anticipation and as soon as they could put their costumes on, they became even more focused,” she says. 

For the first time this year, Johnson included a Lower School musical crew in the production. The four-piece student ensemble created music and sounds under the guidance of Lower School music teacher Bronwen Low-Scott. A Lower School puppetry crew operated the shadow puppets that animated the staging. Two students on props, two students on costumes, two students on stage and ushers made up Johnson’s backstage crew. 

Johnson is pleased with the growth shown by her students. “Some of their acting skills really came along,” she says. “ I feel like I started to gain momentum with them.”

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