Jungle Book

Reviewed by Lara J. Altunian
Kidoons and WYRD Productions
Through July 29

RECOMMENDED

Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale experienced a revival in 2016 when Disney created a live action version of The Jungle Book. Two years later, the story has been born again with a twist that deviates completely from Walt Disney’s interpretation, but instead pays homage to the author and his other animal-related works. Craig Francis and Rick Miller’s Jungle Book is a visual treat that seamlessly combines modern projections with traditional puppeteering. Their reimagining includes an environmental message that makes the play relatable and, combined with the four actors’ diversity and skills, results in a production that families especially will enjoy.

Twenty-five-year-old protagonist Mowgli (Levin Valayil) has moved to New York City to become an architect, but feels lost and uninspired in his new urban setting. A “Happy birthday, Wolf Boy” text from his sister, Maya (Miriam Fernandes) triggers memories of the animals that raised him in the jungle outside Seori, India. He uncovers and begins to look through his childhood journal (or “jungle book”), a recollection of his years mingling with nature and learning to live as a wolf cub before becoming a man and reuniting with his family in Seori.

The play deals mostly with rejection. Mowgli has always felt ostracized with both his wolf pack and human family. His only two childhood friends are Bagheera the panther (Anita Majumdar) and Baloo the bear (Matt Lacas). The characters are known to many as a double act comedy routine thanks to Disney. In this version however, both actors play the animals as more serious paternal figures that guide Mowgli through Kipling’s “jungle laws” (mentioned in his book). They primarily warn him against man’s destructive abilities, especially in his ability to harness the “red flower,” or fire. Their repetitive lectures about respecting nature make the work more appropriate for younger children.

Short moments of terror add climactic turning points to the story. Most involve the main antagonist, the tiger Shere Khan (Fernandes). However, any serious subject matter is not portrayed graphically. Rather, it realistically reinforces Jungle Book’s lessons. Childish humor scattered throughout the play and talented singing, primarily by Valayil, whose Broadway background is apparent in his portrayal of Mowgli, help balance out the more sinister scenes.

What makes this rendition most appealing is Francis and Miller’s use of bright, eye-catching visuals. Images of various styles are cast alternatively onto a screen behind the actors and onto three scrims placed in the foreground, adding a truly three-dimensional quality to Irina Litvinenko’s multimedia design. Projections range from photographs of NYC to drawings from within Mowgli’s jungle book,which come to life with animated page-turning effects.

The three actors that play opposite Valayil constantly switch characters without missing a beat. Dark-colored leotards allow them to slip between different roles with only simple mask and accent changes. Shadows and full body suits with extending arms and raised animal heads make powerful creatures such as Shere Khan and Hathi the elephant (Fernandes) appear larger and more domineering. The rest of the set is simple—only a few inclined wooden ramps are used as props so as not to compete with the colorful pictures. The cardboard cutout–look of the creature costumes and a few instances of puppeteering add a dash of childlike whimsy to the artistic setup.

Jungle Book’s contemporary focus on co-existing with nature, as well as its stance against bullying, bring the story up-to-date without erasing Kipling’s legacy. Although the pace may sometime feel slow for adults, this vivid adaptation will keep the kiddies entertained while also instilling them with good morals any parent would approve of.

Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena; Tues. and Fri., 8 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m.; Thurs., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; through Jul. 29. (626) 356-7529 or https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/jungle-book/. Running time: 65 minutes with no intermission.