A classic childrens story comes to the stage when the College of Southern Marylands Childrens Theatre Company presents The Jungle Book Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 1-3.
The story written by Rudyard Kipling in 1894 was originally a collection of short stories about the jungles of India. The best known are the stories about Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves and whose best friends are Baloo, the bear, and Bagheera, the black panther. Kiplings original works were fables using animals, with human traits to relate moral lessons about life and society. Other animals that appear in the collection include Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the mongoose; Kaa, the snake; and Shere Khan, the white tiger and Mowglis nemesis.
In The Jungle Book each of Mowglis experiences teach him about life, friendship, courage, responsibility and himself. His many adventures include a daring rescue from the Monkey King, a showdown with Shere Khan and Mowglis eventual return to mankind. The performance is appropriate for children of all ages as they experience the excitement of Mowglis life in the jungle.
CSMs cast includes Marcus Stine of La Plata as Mowgli, Tess Silvestro of Leonardtown as Baloo, Amanda Rae Hamilton of La Plata as Bagheera, Nick Brightwell of Waldorf as Shere Khan, and Alex La Clair of La Plata as the Monkey King.
Performances are Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. and Jan 26-27 and Feb. 2-3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. For information or reservations, contact the Box Office at 301-934-7828, 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6199, Ext 7828, bxoffc@csmd.edu or www.csmd.edu/finearts.