By Matt Makowski
Grand Valley State University students will adhere to the “Law of the Jungle” when they perform a play that’s a newer take on the beloved Disney classic film “The Jungle Book.”
Theatre at Grand Valley presents “The Jungle Book”
November 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, at 7:30 p.m.
November 11, 18, at 2 p.m.
Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
Tickets: $15 for adults; $13 for GVSU faculty and staff and all seniors; $7 for all students; $10 for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office at (616) 331-2300.
NOTE: Younger children are welcome to attend performances of “Jungle Book,” however this production is darker in themes and content than the Disney musical version.
NOTE: Younger children are welcome to attend performances of “Jungle Book,” however this production is darker in themes and content than the Disney musical version.
In “Jungle Book,” the “Law of the Jungle” rules Mowgli’s adventures while growing up with a wolf pack, but when his identity is challenged after realizing he’s human, his quest to master the laws becomes more complicated and dangerous. Tensions mount when Mowgli becomes entangled with Shere Khan, the most feared animal, and Mowgli’s choices affect life in the jungle forever.
While the character of Mowgli has historically been be a boy, this iteration of the story will see Mowgli as a female protagonist, played by Leanne Hoag, a sophomore majoring in hospitality and tourism management.
“Mowgli is such a fun role because I get to incorporate childlike acting techniques that I normally don’t get to delve into while also showing this beautiful arc of character development where Mowgli finds her true self,” said Hoag.
Hoag said that audiences will experience another key diversion from the Disney film — the absence of songs.
“This version is more about survival in the jungle and the power hierarchy that results between predator and prey,” said Hoag.
In addition to changing Mowgli’s gender, Hoag said acting in the Keller Black Box Theatre, in which actors and the stage are surrounded by the audience, has also been a fun challenge.
“Instead of performing to one side of an audience, we have to think about three, so in this way we have to tailor our staging and actions differently so that everyone in the audience can see the show,” said Hoag. “As an audience member, being in the black box is such an immersive experience, and being stuck in the middle of the Jungle watching the struggle between predator and prey is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.”
Playing the role of Mowgli has been a surreal experience for Hoag since “Jungle Book” was one of her favorite movies throughout her childhood.
“I remember I used to ask my grandma to watch it when I was over at her house,” said Hoag. “It is honestly surreal to be playing a character that I am so familiar with, but it is also so different from the Disney version that I am able to take a few essential elements from that movie and spin it to fit this version of Mowgli.”
For more information about “Jungle Book,” visit gvsu.edu/theater or contact Allison Metz, director, at metza@gvsu.edu.
