‘Jungle Book’ musical opens this week at Brandywine

Published 11:59 am Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT TOP: Miley Young, in front, plays King Louie during a dress rehearsal Monday of “The Jungle Book Kids” at Brandywine Elementary School.

Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT
TOP: Miley Young, in front, plays King Louie during a dress rehearsal Monday of “The Jungle Book Kids” at Brandywine Elementary School.

An adaptation of the classic Disney film, “The Jungle Book,” is coming to the stage this week at Brandywine Elementary School.

“The Jungle Book Kids” features a cast of more than 40 Brandywine Elementary School students, who will delight audiences with their favorite songs from the animated movie, including “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You.”

Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Ticket prices are $10 for reserved seating, $8 for general adult seating and $6 for seniors and students.

“It is for people of all ages, especially for kids that like Disney and like ‘The Jungle Book,’” said August Garritano, the show’s director.

The story follows a young boy, Mowgli (played by Sean Tweedy) who lives in the jungle with his friends Bagheera the Panther (Abbie Hubbard) and Balloo the Bear (Hayden Seggerman).

Bagheera and Balloo try to convince Mowgli to leave the jungle before an evil tiger, Shere Khan, confronts him.

Garritano said students have been rehearsing since the end of January. He hopes to see a lot of people in the audience supporting the students, who have been working hard to bring the show to life.

“It is important to support the arts, especially with young kids,” he said. “The arts do so many wonderful things for kids. They help with self esteem, self confidence and work ethic.”

The Performing Arts Workshops (PAW), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in children and young adults, is the show’s producer.

All proceeds will help PAW continue to provide high-quality performing arts experiences for area students.

Brandywine High student Emilee Seggerman is the show’s assistant director and Brandywine alum Coreana Frampton is the choreographer.

Jim Boger and Mike Miles are providing sound and lights.