MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Brooks, 612.872.6112,
jbrooks@childrenstheatre.org

TICKET OFFICE: 612.874.0400,
childrenstheatre.org
2400 Third Ave S, Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN – Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present Greg Banks’ adaptation of The Jungle Book, September 29 to December 6, 2015. Banks, whose CTC credits include Huck Finn, Pinocchio, Robin Hood, Antigone, Romeo and Juliet and more, will direct, with music composed by Victor Zupanc, scenic design by Joseph Stanley, costume design by Alison Siple and lighting design by Nancy Schertler. The Jungle Book was commissioned and developed through CTC’s new play development lab, Threshold, and is part of a season of premieres to celebrate the 50th Anniversary.

Starring Eric Sharp as Mowgli (Guthrie Theater, Mu Performing Arts, Live Action Set, and more); CTC Acting Company member Autumn Ness as Bagheera the Panther; Twin Cities favorite H. Adam Harris (whose CTC credits include the 2012 and 2014 productions of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas) as Baloo and Father Wolf; Casey Hoekstra (Guthrie Theater, Walking Shadow Theatre, Torch Theater, and more) as the evil Shere Kahn; and up-and-comer Nastacia Nicole as Mother Wolf/Kaa.

“This story beautifully explores our need to belong and what happens when we feel we don’t,” said Director Greg Banks. “Writing this adaptation was an adventure in itself and an opportunity to tease out what this beloved classic continues to tell us about society and ourselves.”

Based on the story by Rudyard Kipling, this new adaptation of The Jungle Book follows the rambunctious and curious man cub Mowgli and his adopted jungle family: Baloo the Bear, Bagheera the panther, and all the beasts who call the mysterious wilderness home. This fast-paced retelling keeps audiences at the edge of their seats as Mowgli tries to escape the clutches of the evil Shere Kahn and find the true meaning of home.

Scenic Designer Joseph Stanley’s credits include Pure Confidence (Off-Broadway) and Greg Banks’ adaptations of Huck Finn. Costume Designer Alison Siple is a multiple-award winner based in Chicago and Lighting Designer Nancy Schertler’s credits include the Tony Award-nominated Fool Moon and Largely New York (Broadway). Compositions by CTC’s Victor Zupanc.

The Jungle Book runs September 29 – December 6, 2015 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. As part of CTC’s commitment to programming for ages two through eighteen, The Jungle Book is recommended for grades K+. For more information, visit childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Proudly Sponsored by Deluxe.

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the first theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003) and has welcomed more than 11 million people to performances and education programs over the last five decades. As one of the 20 largest theatre companies in the nation, CTC has created over 200 new works, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.

CTC educational programs reach tens of thousands of young people of all ages, ranging from early learners to young adults. CTC’s Theatre Arts Training (TAT) program is designed to mold the next generation of theatre professionals in a guided, dynamic, studio-style program that is tailored to the needs of each individual student.

Steeped in our nationally-recognized Neighborhood Bridges philosophy, the CTC Community Engagement team creates models that arts organizations, schools and educators utilize to animate teaching and learning and develop critical thinking through creative writing, storytelling and theatre arts. Our three core programs include Neighborhood Bridges (currently serving grades 2-8), Building Bridges (serving Kindergartners) and Early Bridges (serving ages 3- 5). Our programming exists to promote accessibility and to deepen engagement with teachers and students locally and nation-wide.

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