The Jungle Book: A Musical Tale

New look for Jungle Book An updated, fun-filled musical interpretation of Rudyard’s Kipling’s classic tale The Jungle Book swings into Don Russell Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 2 August at 11.30am. The Jungle Book: A Musical Tale – an original theatre production with an exceptional cast - is based on the delightful story of Mowgli, a human baby found in the wilderness by a family of wolves and raised as one of their own. This version begins with Mowgli, now in his twenties, returning to the jungle to visit his friend Baloo the Bear after years of city living. The two characters joyfully reminisce about their childhood adventures, and often break out with upbeat songs in a range of styles. Funk, bongo beats and ballad are applied to such tunes as Bearstar, It’s Funky, Rumble in the Jungle and many more. This show is a bright, colourful and entertaining experience for children aged six to 12 years but able to be appreciated by the whole family. Relative newcomer to stage and one-time professional dancer Samuel Gaskin plays Mowgli. His television credits include Neighbours, The Secret Life of Us, Sit Down Shut Up and The Skit House. His background in dance has seen him appear in numerous video clips and awards shows including the ARIAS, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, TV Week Logies and The Footy Show Grand Final. Benedict Kazlauskas stars as Baloo the Bear. His many theatre credits include the world premiere cast of Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame in Berlin. He also performed in the Stuttgart production of The Phantom of the Opera and in the show’s Australasian tour. Vastly experienced performer Callan Lewis plays Jackal. Callan’s professional theatre credits include Captain Feathersword in the Australian tours of The Captain Feathersword Show and Dorothy The Dinosaur’s Dance Party, host of Skippy’s Outback Adventure and Blinky Bill’s Sing-along. Admission is $27.80 standard, $23.70 concession and $20.90 children (12 and under), along with $78 family which is two adults, two children. For bookings and information call The Don on 9493 4577 or visit www.gosnells.wa.gov.au and click on the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre link to buy tickets online.