Julian Curtiss School Theater Students Set to Perform Jungle Book Kids

The cast and crew at Julian Curtiss School are ready to perform Jungle Book Kids this week.

Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, the “man cub” Mowgli, bounds through the jungle and learns what it means to be human.

Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle.

After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. When Shere Khan returns, our heroes must rally their fellow animals into battle and restore peace throughout the jungle.

Production Team

Musical Director, Choreographer, and Costume Designer: Ariel Wilshaw
Director, Rehearsal Master & Stage Crew Assistant: Stephen Hohl
Stage Crew Director & Audio Master: John Ehlinger
Producer: Sandra Grandinetti
Piano Accompanist & Music Rehearsal Master: Kate Miserocchi
Lighting Consultant: Porsche McGovern
Choreography Consultant: Heather Currier

We would like to thank the following people for their support:

• The Greenwich Alliance for Education for providing our  JC Theatre Arts program with a generous grant supporting our performing arts programs.

• Julie Faryniarz for helping us through this process and supporting all of our needs.

• The JC Custodial Staff for helping us with various needs on the stage and in the gym for our performances.
• Tom Healy from Central Middle School for loaning us follow spots.

According to Ms Faryniarz, the JC Theater Arts Program is a Greenwich Alliance Reaching Out Grant and the program is in its second year.

The 4-5th grade play is one part of the theater experience for JC students.

“Jungle Book is a great story and watching the talented actors sing and dance today was fantastic,” Faryniarz said. “The students were all in and enjoying every bit of this opportunity to show off their talents. Funding arts experiences builds self confidence and creates a sense of belonging.”

Bagheera: Autumn Levine
Baloo: Alejandra Santa Cruz
Mowgli: Max Quigley
Wolves:   Rui Fukuchi, Leo Foote, Finn Yardis, Noah Mesarina
Shere Khan: Dylan Hendrick
Shanti: Damariz Chavez Salazar
Kaa/ Ziggy Vulture: Noah Mesarina
Coil 1: Fuller Medhurst
Coil 2: Rui Fukuchi
Coil 3: Leo Foote
Coil 4/Dizzy Vulture: Benjamin Alvarez
Coil 5: David Verahovsky
Colonel Hathi/Shanti’s Family: Finn Yardis
Baby Elephant/Bee/Jungle Thistle: Brianna Fernandez

Elephant/Bee: Mathias Lemus
Elephant/Bee: Alexandra Gaven
Elephant/Bee: Eli Avila
Elephant/Bee: Isabella Castro Familia
King Louie: Leo Foote
Grumpy Monkey: David Verahovsky
Silly Monkey: Benjamin Alvarez
Sassy Monkey/Jungle Lotus: Pietra Alves Da Silva    Old Monkey/Jungle Banyan: Fuller Medhurst            Jungle: Luke Dvorak, Declan Krupa, Harper Wynne

Stage Crew/Set builders: Tom Kenny, Alex Engle, Declan Krupa, Martin Pymm, Harper Wynne, Flora Gilmutdinova, Steffi Quinamague, Ava Santos Perez, Lucian Rincon, Penelope Sanchezchavez, Luke Dvorak, Harvey Cheng, and Josh Spivak

Special thanks to the adult volunteers who helped us along the way:

Set Construction: Stephanie Krupa, Iggy Krupa, Martin Krupa, Greg Pymm, Allison Spivak, Donald Cohen,  Enzo Sanchez, Katherine Wynne

Backstage  Helpers: Allison Spivak, Sarah Yardis
Poster Designer: Stephanie Krupa
Costume Coordinator & Master Mender: Dawn Fuller
Costume Assistants: Stephanie Krupa, Fernanda Alves, Farrah Shindler
Photography Master: Elspeth Spransy  Refreshments: PTA/ Lauren Toretta
Gifts: Angeli Hendrick
Cast Party: Sarah Yardis

We appreciate the support of: Eduardo Calderón, Claribel Michilena, Ken O’Brien, Taryn Dietrick, Yaneli Avila, Melanie Champion, Giulia Sanford, Holly Brown, and Lisa Maniscalco.

Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY  10019. Script, music, and all other material © 2015 Disney Broadway Junior and MTI’s Broadway Junior Collection are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Theatre International. All rights reserved.