Theater Review: CCTC/HJT’s ‘Jungle Book’ Is A Wildly Fun Time

The Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre came alive with the sounds of the jungle last Sunday as the creature-filled cast of the “Jungle Book” delivered a fantastic performance.

This action-packed play, adapted and directed by Andy Arden-Reese, follows the life of the adventurous Mowgli, an abandoned human-cub raised by a pack of wolves. When Anna Botsford’s Shere-Khan, a power-hungry tiger, threatens to wipe out Mowgli and her family of wolves, the pack sends the young girl to seek refuge in the nearest human village.

Mowgli’s eventful journey to find fellow humans is far from smooth-sailing; she runs into both friends and foes before eventually finding her true home. Addison Wilda plays Mowgli with an enthusiastic sense of wonderment, curiosity, and humor. She leaps across the stage and runs up the aisles with the high, infectious energy of a jungle-raised human-cub, occasionally slowing down to skillfully depict Mowgli’s more emotional moments.

As Mowgli treks through the wilderness, characters slither, fly, and crawl onto the stage, transforming the set into a crowded jungle brimming with life. Kaya O’Brien plays Bagheera, a suave panther determined to guide Mowgli in the right direction, delivering an intimidating and impressive performance as the smooth-talking cat. Mowgli also develops a bond with the beloved bear Baloo, brilliantly played by Henry Cramer. Cramer’s performance is infused with comedy and clarity, and his endearing eccentricity often steals the spotlight.

However, it is not all sunshine in the dark depths of the jungle. Seductive snake Kaa, played by a commanding Gianna Casale, traps Mowgli in her long coils and repeatedly tries to make her lunch. At one particularly low point, Mowgli also finds herself prisoner to the rambunctious King Louis, a royal monkey played by a hilarious Matt Gardner, who threatens Mowgli into sharing the destructive gifts of humankind.

This highly enjoyable story is brought to life by a fantastic cast. The ensemble makes up the loyal wolf pack and a group of peckish vultures, keeping the audience entertained with their high energy and amusing quips. Hugo Ceraldi also delivers a standout performance as Akela, the distinguished king of the wolves, commanding the stage with his powerful intonation.

Michael Reese definitely worked his magic with the set and lighting design of this production. An abundance of fraying ropes hangs across the stage, creating a beautiful array of swinging vines. A leafy backdrop and multi-use podiums also helps cultivate the immersive jungle atmosphere. At two powerful moments, Reese bathes the set in deep blue and red lighting, powerfully transforming the stage into both a river and raging wildfire.

Costume designer Emily Diamond kills it with every character’s wardrobe, particularly with the sneaky Kaa, who is adorned with a long, snake-like piece of yellow fabric. Sound designers Mathew Kohler and Andy Arden-Reese ensure the chirps and sounds of the jungle often play in the background, a clever technical detail which adds to the immersive atmosphere. All of the play’s elements are pulled together seamlessly by production stage manager Samantha Walker.

This vibrant rendition of the Jungle Book was, without a doubt, a wildly fun time for people of all ages.