Disney's "The Jungle Book Kids"

Get ready for a swinging fun time at Apple Tree Arts Disney’s "The Jungle Book Kids." Tickets will be sold at the door.

The musical is based upon the classic Disney film and was especially adapted for elementary school-aged actors. The main character is Mowgli, a man-cub who was abandoned and raised by wolves in the jungle.  He is fine until Shere Kahn, the fierce tiger wants him to leave the jungle. Mowgli’s friend, Bagheera, the panther tries to take him to the safety of the man village. Along the way he has many adventures and meets new animal friends and foes.

 The 31 cast members have learned music, dialogue and choreography for the performance.  The ensemble actors portray animal characters including elephants, monkeys, snakes and bees and jungle plants such as trees, flowers and prickly pears.  Students are from Grafton, Millbury, Northbridge, Sutton, Uxbridge and Berkley.

 There are several major characters in the show. Mowgli is played by Nicholas Talbot of Grafton. Bagheera is played by Abi Edgren-Fortin of Grafton. Shere Kahn is portrayed by Nolan Psuik of Uxbridge. Baloo, the lovable bear is played by Perry Drugan of Millbury. King Louie, the monkey leader is a shared role played by Anna Dorosario and Claire Protano both of Grafton. Colonel Hathi, the dotty elephant leader is a shared role played by Rebecca Ashmore and Madison Luber both of Grafton.  The Coconut Tree and Shanti are shared roles played by Sydney Grass and Gabriella Klumpenaar both of Grafton. Kaa the snake is played by Karly Leonard of Grafton. Kaa’s Coils are played by Gwen Sudol of Grafton, Danielle Donadio of Grafton, Isabella Cordova of  Grafton, Eva Lavoie of Sutton, Gabriella Felder of Grafton and Valerie Caya of Northbridge.

 "The Bare Necessities," "I Wan'na Be Like You," and “That’s What Friends are For" are well-likened songs from the production. The show opens with the jazzy tune "The Jungle Prologue."

 "The musical was chosen because of its popularity with audiences and actors. People enjoy Disney shows,” explained Lisa Scarlett, theatre arts director.  "The cast members are on the stage for the maximum amount of time too, which adds to the appeal of the production," she added.

 The show is co-directed by Ms. Scarlett and Laurie Baker, theatre arts and early childhood music teacher.  The duo has co-directed many shows together including "Little Mermaid Jr.," "Beauty and the Beast" and "King and I."

 Parent volunteers have worked on the marquee, star grams and refreshments for the show.

Apple Tree Arts continues its Penny campaign established to assist with fundraising efforts to restore the second and third floors of the Grafton Town House into a performance arts center.  Children are encouraged to bring their pennies and loose change to the show.  Participants will be entered into a drawing for an iTunes gift card.

 Founded in 1989, Apple Tree Arts, a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization has grown to serve over 1,000 children and adults annually with early childhood music classes, group keyboard lessons, private music and voice instruction, ensembles, theatre arts programs and concerts.  For more information, visit www.appletreearts.org.