‘Jungle Book Kids’ Perfect Diversion For Youngsters

It’s easy for kids to get lost in summer. With the myriad of ways their attention can be monopolized, finding something for them to engage with that’s meaningful and not content from a screen can be hard. The Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans has a new production that will hopefully make life a bit easier.

On July 10, the Academy opened “Jungle Book Kids,” a half-hour production of the Disney classic based on Rudyard Kipling’s iconic novel. The show does two things outstandingly: It’s a fabulously produced production with a cohort of young actors that performed tremendously, and it is the perfect opportunity for Friday family fun at a low cost.

The musical is essentially a cliffs-note version of the original story that is guided by a bunch of cast numbers that move the story along at an accelerated pace. The story features Mowgli, played by Logan Danielson, being urged to leave the jungle at the behest of Bagheera, played by Ella Bohn. Mowgli is in danger as Sherr Kahn, played by Paxton Glidden, is on the hunt to get the man cub out of his jungle. Mowgli and a variety of jungle friends, including the bear Baloo, played by Toby Goers, do their best to keep him away from the tiger as Mowgli decides if he wants to go live in the village or stay in the jungle. 

The production is directed by Keren Castro with musical direction by Jennifer Kangas and choreography by Sydney Peterson. The entirety of the show is a joy. The whole cast is bright and eager and produce engaging vocals in the big numbers like “Night Into Day” and “I Want To Be Like You.” Independently, most get an opportunity to shine as many characters have solos in songs as they come across Mowgli in his travels. 

In speaking before the production, Castro said the cast has been rehearsing since May, and it showed. Each lead shined in their role. Danielson’s wonder and mischief make him a proper Mowgli. Bohn’s calm demeanor and protective spirit make her a great Bagheera. Glidden was a domineering lurking foil who embraced being the antagonist. And then there’s Goers, who was a personal favorite as he had the ability to be raucously funny but also have moments of concern for Mowgli. 

Beyond the prominent characters, there were many other characters who had moments where they shined. Fiona Mooney was bold and dynamic as Shanti throughout and was the one who finally got Mowgli to go into town. Gabi Castro took the stage by storm as she danced her way on stage as Kaa. Chiara Castro was electric in her role as King Louis while also serving as choreography intern. The remainder of the cast included Kailey Sears, Camille Evans, Zoe Porter, Sylvie Wiemer, Finley Smith, Niamh Davis, Harper Wibby, Evelyn Reeves, Eliot Hoyt, Teddy, Olean, Brooklyn Danielson, Sheppard Potash and Arlo Potash. 

The production runs through Aug. 1 on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. After each show is facepainting and photo opportunities with the cast on the front lawn. There is also popcorn, Jungle Book cookies from the Cookie Caper and a signature drink for the production, the Baloo Breeze.

Between the production and the activities, if you have a young family or grandkids visiting, “The Jungle Book Kids” at The Academy of Performing Arts isn’t something you want to miss. The experience is a perfect blend of young actors getting an opportunity to shine, and the perfect excuse to take a three-day weekend and do something fun.