Updated 2022: The Jungle is in Joburg City. This Jungle has animals that sing and dance. It couldn’t be other than Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids which is currently on stage at People’s Theatre. Do you know the story that involves Mowgli? My concern was would the animated movie transition to the stage be possible? This is of course Disney’s The Jungle Book after all.
This past Sunday the year was 2020, we made our way to Peoples Theatre in Joburg, Their newest show Disney’s The Jungle Book kids has hit the stage. The girls, are massive fans of the movie, meaning that expectation was high.
Based on The Disney movie – The Jungle Book.
The story remains the same but is adapted to the stage. We meet Mowgli, the human boy, who lives in the Jungle with his panther friend, Bagheera. We follow them as Bagheera tries to get Mowgli to safety to the man’s village (my daughter wanted to know where all the women were) but Mowgli does not want to go. Why Safety? Well the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan is looking for Mowgli. On their journey, we meet Kaa the sinister snake. My “most’ favourite was the herd of elephants lookout for the cutest on-stage elephant you will ever cast your eyes on. My favourite was all the elephant appearances just too funny.
What about Baloo or King Louie you may ask of course they feature and with the classic songs of “Bare Necessities” and I want “I want to be like you” you leave the theatre with a bounce and jive in your step.
The children in the audience.
With vibrant sets and costumes. The sound was spot on. Miss K can be overwhelmed with too much noise. She was not deterred. She and the whole theatre were all shouting and pointing as Mowgli keeps escaping and running away. The children were all involved in keeping Mowgli safe. just by the excitement heard by the children in the audience, it tells me a big success.
My thoughts on the show.
We love kids’ theatre as a family and have been to a few shows at the Peoples Theatre. You can read more about some of my other reviews when we attended previous shows. Seussical JR and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The actors energetically bounced and jumped across the stage creating even more involvement from the children in the audience. Having been out the night before for my cousin’s birthday I was a bit tired and I left the show feeling energised by the performance. We all left the theatre thinking about what a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Some of the Show credits:
Disney The Jungle Book Kids is directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith, with Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall, Musical Staging by Sandy (Dyer) Richardson, Set and Lighting Design by Grant Knottenbelt and costumes Linda Wilson
Look out for Luciano Zuppa as Baloo and the wonderful Thokozani Jiyane as Bagheera.
Kaa will be played by Bethany-Joy Jiyane and this will be her first performance for the Peoples Theatre. Bethany will also be playing the roles of Mrs Hathi and King Louie’s Wife. I do love her as Mrs Hathi.
Clive Gilson takes to the stage as Shere Khan, Colonel Hathi and King Louie. I am still trying to figure out which he does the best as he is super talented.
The performance details on The Jungle Book Kids
Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS opens at the Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Complex with preview performances. The Show is currently on so check out the Peoples Theatre for updated times and performances.
Performance times are Mondays to Friday at 9 am and 11 am, Saturdays at 10:30 am and 2.30 pm as well as all Sundays and Public Holidays.
Ticket prices are R145 for the general public or R100 for members of the Peoples Theatre kids Club (You can become a member for an R120 membership fee – contact Peoples Theatre on 011 403 1563/ 2340 for more information).
To book tickets call Sean on 011 403 1563 / 2340 or email the theatre at [email protected].
For more information visit Peoples Theatre. Special school performances are available at R85 per learner plus for every 20 learners there is one complimentary ticket per educator – extra educators R85 each and all other accompanying adults are R105 each.
Are you and your family fans of the theatre?
1 Comment