World Premiere of THE JUNGLE BOOK Begins Tonight at A. D. Players Children's Theater

A. D. Players Children's Theater will close its 2012-2013 season tonight, April 16th with the World Premiere of The Jungle Book, previewing tonight, April 16th and opening April 17th. The play is written by Will Ledesma and is a new adaption of the classic adventure book by Rudyard Kipling.

"The Jungle Book was the first story that truly captured my imagination," said Kevin Dean, Director of Children's Theater at A. D. Players. "As a result, I am what I am today - a storyteller."

In The Jungle Book, Mowgli has been raised and protected by the Seeonee wolf pack his entire life, but his mortal enemy, the vicious tiger Shere Khan, has a plan to scatter the pack. It will take all the wisdom Mowgli has learned from his friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther to survive the tiger's vengeful scheme. This thrilling adventure story includes themes of growing up and the strength of true friendship.

Set in the middle of an Indian jungle, the set and costume designs for The Jungle Book have provided special challenges for the designers including creating climbable trees and vines for actors to swing on and costumes that mimic animal characteristics while reflecting Indian culture.

"I'm very excited about the costume design," said Dean, "and I'm very proud of my production team. It takes a number of people to breath life into a script, and I have the great pleasure of working with some wonderfully gifted designers. I'm most looking forward to the snake, Kaa, and that's all I'll say about that."

After the show closes at A. D. Players on May 4th, it will be presented at Miller Outdoor Theater on May 30th and 31st at 11:00am. Seating for the event is open.

The production team for The Jungle Book includes Robin Gillock (Set Design), Mark A. Lewis (Lighting Design), Donna Southern Schmidt (Costume Design), intern Trisha Wise (Properties Design), and guest designer Orlando Arriaga (Sound Design).

The cast includes A. D. Players' resident actors Braden Hunt (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Bunnicula, Four Maps to Bethlehem) as Mowgli, Justin Cook (Treasure Island, The Hobbit, Winnie-the-Pooh) as Baloo, Katharine Hatcher (Sanders Family Christmas, Sherlock Holmes: the final adventure, Charley's Aunt) as Bagheera, Stephen Hurst (Bunnicula, Treasure Island, The Hobbit) as Shere Khan, Travis Hayes (Bunnicula, Pinnochio and His Father, The Hobbit) as Tabaqui, and Blake Weir (The First Church of Texaco, Sherlock Holmes: the final adventure, Charley's Aunt) as Akela. Rounding out the cast are A. D. Players' interns Kelsey Cratty (Thumbelina, Four Maps to Bethlehem) as Kaa, Jesse Merrill (Thumbelina, The Littleboro Valley Story) as Young Wolf and Monkey, and Megan Jackson (The Littleboro Valley Story) as Young Wolf and Monkey.

The Jungle Book runs tonight, April 16 - May 4, 2013 at A. D. Players' Grace Theater, 2710 W. Alabama. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 10:30am with a 1:00pm performance on 4/27. Additional 1:00p performances are available upon request for school groups. The Jungle Book previews on April 16 at 7:00pm.

Tickets are $10 for individuals and $6 for groups of 10 or more, $5 for Title 1 schools. Tickets may be purchased online at www.adplayers.org, at the A. D. Players Box Office, 2710 W. Alabama, or by calling 713-526-2721. *$2 Convenience fee applies to tickets purchased online.

Founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George, A. D. Players pioneered a unique style of theater committed to producing plays and programs that uphold human value, offer creativity, and promote literacy and education. The company is one of Houston's largest resident theater companies, impacting more than nine million people. Annually, the company produces five Mainstage shows and four Children's Theater performances, fields a National Touring Unit, and maintains a year-round Theater Arts Academy. A. D. Players is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. We share our mission with volunteers, community associates, and those who make our work possible through their support. For additional information, visit www.adplayers.org or call 713-526-2721.

Pictured: Stephen Hurst as Sher Khan and Braden Hunt as Mowgli. Photo credit: Bara Photography.

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