KAOS (Kids Acting on Stage) Production- The Jungle Book 2021

Thanks in large part to Disney’s many animated and live-action adaptations, few children in the entire world have grown up without some notion of the fantastical world of Mowgli, Baloo, and Shere Khan.

This year KAOS brings you an adaptation of this wonderful story. The Jungle Book characters are animals who primarily serve to teach moral lessons. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling is the story about the adventures of Mowgli, a “man cub” who was abandoned and raised by wolves. We have pupils from Crookwell High School, Trinity College, Crookwell Public School and St Mary’s Primary School all taking part in this huge production.

At the start of the story, a wolf pack hears that the tiger Shere Khan is hunting humans. The wolf pack is alarmed because they follow the Law of the Jungle, which forbids the hunting of humans since they are defenceless.

When an Indian child comes to the wolves’ den, they lovingly take him in and name him Mowgli. Being raised by wolves, it is only natural that Mowgli would be crazy, wild, and brave. Knowing no other life, he thinks everything about his life is normal, but, of course, it isn’t. Home for him is the jungle, not the village where men live.

One day, Shere Khan comes to the wolves’ den and demands the man-cub. Knowing that the only thing that will defeat Shere Khan is fire, Mowgli will take things into his own hands.

Rohan Gamble plays the main part of Mowgli and we see him grow from a naïve child to a responsible adult. Rohan has worked very hard at this part. He has a lot of dialogue and is on stage for much of the play. He must be commended for his efforts and his ability and patience to work with such young actors.

Mother Wolf is played by Elisha Marcelino, who sees the man cub and quickly agrees to care for him. She is the eternal loving mother and cares for Mowgli as if he were one of her own cubs. Mother Wolf is also brave and feared by Shere Khan, who knows that Mother Wolf will fight to the death. Mother Wolf is also wise. Elisha has an air of natural authority and plays this part with great confidence and graciousness.

Baloo is played by Peter Lawson and he teaches Mowgli the calls of the jungle. Mowgli is quick at learning how to communicate with the many jungle animals, and Baloo is a real friend to Mowgli and a very patient teacher. Baloo is brave and caring, especially when he must rescue Mowgli from the monkeys. Peter is inspiring in this role and he really does it justice. His beautiful nature shines through this character and he should be commended for taking on such a larger-than-life role.

Chief Monkey is portrayed by Toby Charnock who as the leader of the other jungle primates. He attempts to gain knowledge of fire from Mowgli, in order to become more human. Toby has a great role in this adaptation. The character is full of swagger and officiousness and Toby brings it totally to the stage with great rhythm and song. He has grown into the part more than we could ever have imagined. A fantastic effort by him and you will love his performance.

Grey Brother is played by Bryce Foley. He is brother to the adopted Mowgli and the future leader of the pack. However, he gets up to mischief with Shere Khan and his fate is sealed. Bryce has enjoyed this part, being pulled by his ears, and being chased around the stage.

The Indian Woman is played by Chloe Bensley who shows an endearing and loving side to her motherly character. With her tribe of children, she discovers Mowgli, and he is more than she could ever have wished for……..But why?

Issy McCormack is a wonderful Kaa, the Rock Python. Sssssssuper characterisation and wonderfully ssssssssmooth! Taleisha Bill plays Bagheera, the Panther. She is one cool cat, keeping Baloo on his toes and watching out for Mowgli. Lucy Gamble is Chil, the Kite. She flies in and out effortlessly, spotting Mowgli up to no good and warning Baloo in the process.

This adaptation contains lots of wolves, monkeys, and village children. Quite a few of the actors double up and play multiple characters. We have Sofia Lawson, Rory Bensley, Angus Foley, Charlie Bensley, Gabby Price, Bryony McCormack, Tahlia Naughton and Brianna Blowes all doing a fabulous effort on stage. Elisha has also exhibited her outstanding skills as a makeup artist and face painter extraordinaire.

The number of St Mary’s Primary School children taking part is to be commended. They have worked very hard for the last three months and it certainly hasn’t all be easy for them. They have come together as one pack and brought this adaptation to life. Congratulations to all these children. It would be a mistake not to come and watch a performance. The scene is set, the lights are ready, the music is coming! Welcome to the Jungle!

You will not be disappointed!

Nicola Bensley- Production Manager KAOS 2021

Dates: Friday 4th at 7:00pm, Saturday 5th at 7:00pm and Sunday 6th June at 2:00pm

Bookings can be made at the Crookwell Visitor Information Centre OR through;  trybooking.com/eventlist/crookwell

Tickets are also available at the door.

Adults: $15.00

Children & Concession Card Holders $10.00

Children Under 5 - Free

We hope to see everyone there to support the children.