NCRT Presents THE JUNGLE BOOK, 8/18-22

The Jungle Book is the largest, most ambitious production ever attempted by The Theatre School. Adapted for the stage by Margaret Larlham, the show is based on the beloved classic by Rudyard Kipling. Theatre School Director Matt Thompson is spearheading the production, with co-directors Tarla Hill (former theatre school student) and Ashley Rossetti and features original music by Thomas Hodges.
 
This new adaption is set in a "secret portal" of  San Diego's Balboa Park and follows the adventures of Mowgli, the man-cub, who has been raised by wolves. His friends are Baloo the bear and Bagheera, the panther; their enemy is the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Filled with singing, organic movement and wonderful characters, the play reveals how one young man becomes a true hero of the jungle.
 
Student performers are Siena Ballance (Mowgli); Aria Ballance (Rann); Alli Reissmann (Kaa); Jane Mezzino (Bagheera); Georgina McKee (Shere Khan); Amanda Dodson (Tabaqui); Alyssa Cochran (Mother Wolf); Allison Bunce (Akela); Gabe Krut (Raksha); Noa Hochman (Rama); Shane Ellman (Baloo); Jacob Surovsky (Hathi); Cayla Surovsky (Bee Swarm); Madison Wright (Rikki-Tikki-Tavi); Liam Brandt (Monkey); Charlie Olafsson (Monkey Boy/Mowha Tree); and Skyler Belice (Monkey Girl).
 
Supporting the production is veteran Theatre School stage manager Sarah Palmer; prop designer Annie Bornhurst; sound designer/production manager/lighting designer Aaron Rumley; set master John Finkbiner; costume designer Jennifer Mah, and technicians Garrett MacMillan and Callie MacMillan. Leslie Zwail is the volunteer coordinator.
 
Performances run from Aug. 18-22. For more information, visit www.northcoastrep.org, or call the box office, (858) 481-1055, or toll-free, (888) 776-NCRT (6278). Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for students.
 
North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D, 92075, in Solana Beach. 
 

Following the final student performance of The Jungle Book on Aug. 22, The Theatre School at North Coast Rep will host its First Annual "Wrap" Party at the Rancho Santa Fe home of North Coast Rep board member, Marion Dodson. 
 
Billed as "A Wild Benefit to Support Live Theatre," the family-oriented fundraiser will feature savory barbecue by Brett's BBQ of 4 S Ranch and Encinitas, beverages by Jimbo's Naturally (courtesy of Wat-aah and Zevia) and a variety of exotic animals for photo opportunities in honor of the jungle-themed production.  Another highlight of the event will be an exclusive, limited auction of five premium prizes.
 
"This is an exciting first for The Theatre School - the culmination of our first student musical, our first official wrap party for the cast and crew, and our first benefit to aid North Coast Rep," said event chair Sharon Rosen Leib. "The committee is working hard to ensure that this will be an entertaining, memorable evening for all."
 
Tickets to the Wrap Party are $50 for adults and $25 for students 7 to 17. Children 6 and under are invited to the festivities free of charge. The event is open to the public and will be held from 4-8 p.m, Tickets may also be purchased online at www.northcoastrep.org 
or by contacting Kathryn Byrd at 858-481-2155 x11.
 
Leib, who recently was appointed to the Rep's board of trustees, is an attorney, writer and mother of three daughters who are actively involved in The Theatre School.
 
Committee members for the Wrap Party Benefit are Jenie Altruda; Debby Buchholz; Marion Dodson; Holly Smith Jones; Mary Ellen Krut; Anna Lillian; Victoria Reissmannn; Dori Patterson; Marlo Surovsky; and Leslie Zwail and staffed by Rhonda Ohnesorge, North Coast Rep's Development Director, and Kathryn Byrd, Development Officer.
 
Honorary Committee members include Debby and Todd Buchholz; Marion Dodson; Sharon and Richard Leib; Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky; Judy and Allen Moffson; and Judy and Chuck Wheatley. 
 

About the North Coast Repertory Theatre: North Coast Repertory Theatre is a professional equity theatre founded in 1982. For over 28 years, North Coast Rep has received critical acclaim from media and audiences alike. With the fifth largest operating budget of non profit theatres and employing the third most Actors' Equity Association members (the union of professional actors and stage managers) in San Diego, North Coast Rep continues to produce high quality, award winning theatre and has evolved into one of the area's leading performing arts organizations. Located in Solana Beach, California, NCR not only draws its audience from the North County region but 50% of its audience base resides in metro San Diego and throughout Southern California. Recognized for the quality of its work and its commitment to quality, this season will be performed on the Blakistone Stage, newly dedicated to North Coast Rep founders Olive Blakistone and her recently departed husband Tom, who passed away in March of 2009. 
David Ellenstein is now the Artistic Director and Leader of North Coast Repertory Theatre since 2003.  His bio is as follows:

David Ellenstein  (Artistic Director) A nationally recognized director and actor, David served as Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Repertory Company and the Arizona Jewish Theatre before joining North Coast Rep in 2003. Over 200 career productions include directing 22 shows at North Coast Rep, including GHOSTS, TALLEY'S FOLLY, THE DRESSER, OVER THE TAVERN, HALPERN & JOHNSON, THE CHOSEN, and ROMEO AND JULIET.  Elsewhere; SONIA FLEW starring Lucie Arnaz, HALPERN AND JOHNSON starring Hal Linden and Brian Murray, and THE CHOSEN starring Theo Bikel and John Lloyd Young at the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Other venues include the Paper Mill Playhouse, Alabama, California, Nevada, Great Lakes, Southwest, and Kingsmen  Shakespeare Festivals, Laguna Playhouse, Meadow Brook Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Los Angeles Theatre Center, Portland Repertory Theatre, and Gaslamp Quarter Theatre Company.

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