Review: THE JUNGLE BOOK is Simply Good

You may think you know Rudyard Kipling's THE JUNGLE BOOK, but you may not have seen it through the eyes of playwright Greg Banks who takes the well-known 1894 story and brings it into now. Is the story new? Not really. Are there any big surprises? Not so much. Then what makes it new? I believe that it's refreshing simplicity.

The Rose Theater set designed by Christopher Dills is minimal, yet effective. It is a series of platforms, poles, and ladders on which the characters climb. It gives new meaning to the term "jungle gym." Colorful shiny ropes hang in loops from the ceiling, interspersed with netting. Lighting designer Laura Hensley masters the use of light to elevate the mood: where danger lurks, there are reds and oranges. Where there is serenity, there are blues and greens. The changes in lighting feel almost tangible, definitely an emotional stimulant.

Guest director John Hardy directs a talented, versatile cast who move seamlessly from one character to another. With the help of simple, but visually appealing, costumes by designer Sherri Geerdes, the actors transform from wolves to monkeys to vultures in the shake of a tail. The costumes are richly hued headdresses, skirts, collars...just enough to suggest the image of an animal. It's up to the actors to fill in the blanks.

What makes the actors animal-like are their movements. The wolves are feline as they stretch, roll onto their backs, and clamber over one another. Autumn Simpson, Jonathon Smith, and Madison Hoge are especially engaging as they monkey around, playing tricks and reveling in their badness.

Aaron Ellis as The Man club Mowgli is nimble and quick, innocently youthful with a dash of rebellion. Kevin Ehrhart as the bumbling bear Baloo tries using his wisdom on Mowgli, but is not always successful. His lumbering attempt to climb the "tree" brings giggles when he can't quite master the process. And his pithy, "It's exhausting bringing up little ones," brings a smile of recognition from adults. Joshua Lloyd Parker as Bagheera the panther, hates bullies and sticks by the man cub, promising a freshly killed bull to the pack of wolves if they will let him stay. Together Baloo and Bagheera protect Mowgli from the lame Shere Khan, played by Jonathan Smith. Stephanie Jacobson who embodies the sinister snake Kaa in addition to two smaller roles, is a slithering menace in her asymmetrical blue sequined bodysuit.

Kipling wrote THE JUNGLE BOOK for his young daughter as a series of fables with morals. An underlying message of this play may be the value of life. What will you do to survive? What will you risk to protect someone you care for? Do you try to fit in or to separate yourself from the pack? Do you trust those who do not look like yourself? For a simple play, there are complicated issues to ponder.

Whether you want to stimulate your thinking or just enjoy an hour of entertainment, THE JUNGLE BOOK is a win.

Photo credit: MJB Photography

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