Youth Theatre opens 33rd season with 'Jungle Book'

The Youth Theatre of Chattanooga Theatre Centre has opened its 33rd season with "The Jungle Book," written by Rudyard Kipling and adapted for the stage by Scott Dunlap.

Kipling's classic story is about a human boy, Mowgli, raised by wolves. Mowgli learns from his animal friends to follow the laws of the jungle. His safety is threatened when Shere Khan, the man-eating tiger, returns to hunt in the jungle, and Mowgli must use his human gifts to save himself and his friends and return to the Man-Village.

Dunlap, who is also directing the production, says the play will most appeal to youngsters in third grade and above.

"Many of us are familiar with the Disney versions of the story, but this play unfolds using Kipling's own words," he says.

Although the play is not a musical, it wraps up with a lighthearted "Bollywood"-style ending.

The run will conclude this weekend with alternating performances by two 12-member casts. The Mang Cast will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. The Rann Cast will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.