VALDOSTA —
Just as all of the animals and foliage create the jungle so does every aspect of theatre create Peach State Summer Theatre’s stage production of Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”
Granted, every musical takes a synthesis of performance, direction, choreography, lighting, sound, costuming, set design, music, etc., but this synthesis takes on magical proportions with “The Jungle Book.”
In terms of time, it’s near perfection for a children’s show. “The Jungle Book” runs less than an hour, with no intermission, but including a fun audience-participation piece at show’s end. Director Bill Gilbert keeps this show moving at a brisk tempo. He also allows all elements of this show to shine, but he does so in such a way that the entire show gleams with brilliance.
Tom Hansen’s scene design creates a colorful, layered landscape that pulls the eye and imagination deep into the jungle. Genny Wynn’s lighting design brings Hansen’s jungle to life while creating moods for each production number. Wynn’s work also highlights Esther Iverson’s remarkable costumes, Iverson doesn’t copy the exact imagery of the Disney cartoon’s characters, but she does create costumes that more than ably suggest these iconic figures while creating a look all her own. Her costumes create a dynamic population of jungle animals.
The director employs puppets in this show, from tiny insects to costumed-puppetry of tap-dancing elephants to the wonderfully elegant Kaa the 16-foot snake. Gilbert’s incorporation of puppets brings a new dimension to this remarkable show.
So do the choreography of Barbara Hartwig and the musical direction of Paul Neal. Hartwig’s dance steps keep this show moving along an amusing and humorous path, teaching a lesson along the way as the jungle boy Mowgli seeks to find himself in or save himself from the dances of each animal. Neal’s live orchestration never overwhelms the singers but supports the voices while developing the mood for each musical number.
The performances are well developed. Essentially, about a dozen performers bring all of the jungle creatures to life. And they do so under masks and heavy costumes. For example, Jonathan Butts is excellent as King Louie, King of the Monkeys. Under Louie’s mask, fur, and long clapper arms, Butts is never visible, but his talent is always on display. He transcends the inanimate pieces of his wardrobe. Long live the King.
While the rest of the cast plays several characters, Miquela Rivers, Andrew Edward Thomas Jr. and Tim Olivar play Bagheera the Panther, Baloo the Bear, and Mowgli the Man Cub throughout the show. Rivers brings a motherly grace to her performance of Bagheera. Thomas brings great fun to the unforgettable Baloo the Bear.
Olivar truly captures the spirit of Mowgli. Though a grown man, Olivar creates the wonder of a child with Mowgli. Mowgli is the heart of “The Jungle Book,” and Olivar keeps that heart beating from scene to scene with youthful fun and vigor.
PSST!’s “The Jungle Book” is well worth leaving the man-village for.
SHOWTIME
Peach State Summer Theatre presents Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”
When: The show continues 2 p.m. June 25, June 29, July 2, July 6, July 9, July 13; 7:30 p.m. July 14; 2 p.m. July 16.
Where: Sawyer Theatre, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Center, corner of Oak and Brookwood.
More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/psst; or call (229) 259-7770.
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