HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre will present its annual production on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8.
This year’s play is “The Jungle Book,” adapted from Rudyard Kipling’s Mowgli stories by Vera Morris. The play will be presented to the public on Friday, April 7 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 8, at 1 p.m. at the Houlton Community Arts Center at Houlton High School. Tickets will be available at the door. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $4 for students and seniors, $3 for children under 12 and $15 for a family of four or more.
The play is being directed by Erin Kafferlin, and assisted by Kate Michaud. As with all Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre productions, students are also contributing in technical roles and with the creation of sets and props.
“Come hear the incredible tale of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves,” said Frank Sullivan of Houlton’s Star Bright Children’s Theatre. “With the help of his friends — the bear Baloo, the panther Bagheera and the python Kaa — Mowgli learns the ways of the jungle. Some of the jungle boy’s adventures are gripping, like the time he encounters the hooded cobra who guards the treasure vault in the Deserted City.”
The production will include plenty of humor, like like the coconut-tossing monkeys who take Mowgli prisoner.
But the jungle is also dangerous, for it is the home of Shere Khan, the man-eating tiger who has vowed to destroy Mowgli, Sullivan explained. With his fawning jackal follower, Shere Khan plots to take control of the jungle. Mowgli must use all his strength and courage to stop Shere Khan before it is too late.
“This faithful adaptation is extremely simple to produce and rehearse,” Sullivan said. “We hope it will enchant audiences and have everyone cheering when Mowgli declares, ‘I am Mowgli, Keeper of the Law and Guardian of the Jungle!’”
The Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre, founded in 1969 by students at Ricker College, is one of the oldest community children’s theatres in the country and offers live theater for and by children to the Greater Houlton area. The Theatre is a non-profit organization supported by generous volunteer help and community donations.
For more information contact, Sullivan at 538-9416 or via email at frank@rainbarrow.net.
