96 SARASOTA SCENE | MARCH 2018
on the town
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
makes it more effective than merely offering a series of pdfs
and Powerpoint videos is that the information is presented
through narrative. That’s a far more effective way to help
young audiences learn and remember.
So, kids can interact with Jungle Book story and characters
well in advance of the show and arrive engaged, or they
can visit the website later at home or in a classroom
to learn more about conservation, the environment,
and family. To offer more information on the issue of
conservation, Miller and Francis have partnered with
Earth Day Canada, a national charity that inspires and
supports people to connect with nature and build resilient
communities.
Similarly, Asolo Rep works with local Florida resources
to enhance learning experiences for audiences. Big Cat
Habitat, as just one example, will partner on the June 16
Family Day at the theater so that audiences can visit with
live animals before the performance. The theater also
collaborates with schools and area youth organizations
such as Girls, Inc. and Boys and Girls Clubs so that young
people can attend as part of their summer programs. Many
of these students might not otherwise have the opportunity
to see theater, but Asolo Rep and supporters work to offset
the transportation and ticket costs for groups in need of
One of the most relevant things about Jungle Book, notes
Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald
Edwards, is how Mowgli realizes he has more than one
family. “That’s a powerful idea. He has a genetic family of
humans, but he also belongs to the family of the animal
kingdom. The problem for him? He feels more connected
to the animal kingdom and has the burden of trying to
explain to his human family that we are all connected,
that all life matters.” This isn’t as easy as it seems. “Kids
FOR MORE INFORMATION
on Asolo Repertory Theatre
or its current season, please
visit www.asolorep.org or call
941.351.8000
“People will be
blown away . . .We’ll
create the jungle
through an immersive
manipulation of
shadows, silhouettes,
and projections..”
- Rick Miller
naturally love animals. They
love all living things—even
the ugly ones. They know
from a very young age that
they’re connected to all the
lives around them. But then
we teach them that this isn’t
so.”
Edwards is especially excited
about this new take on an
old story. “Many artists want
something new. But once
you assemble a group of
people who feel connected
to the work, they cannot help
but bring themselves into it.
That’s what happened here.
That’s what makes this vital
and new,” he says. “They’ve
gone back to the texts and
re-examined the original
thinking behind those words.
They’ve unlocked fresh ways
of telling this important story.”
From the low-tech staging
to the small cast (only 4!) to
the philosophy behind the
production, Jungle Book
promises to be a memorable
event both for kids and for
adults.
“It’s not Disney on Ice,”
Miller explains. “There are
still challenging themes here.
But we think we’ve created
something pretty special that
can start a lot of important
conversations, be enjoyable, and
be a unique memory for kids.”
Miller adds that for him, the
great thing about family shows
like Jungle Book is the kids.
“They’re so incredibly honest
in their responses. They tell
you right away what works
and what doesn’t. I’m always
amazed at the energy level a
roomful of kids can bring to a
performance that’s been done
a dozen or a hundred times
before. It’s refreshing.” And for
some kids in the audience, a
live theater experience can be
transformative.
Francis adds, “It was an honor
Twenty Thousand Leagues. We’re
even more honored to be invited
back.”
/www.asolorep.org