It’s almost time for our next production, THE JUNGLE BOOK, based on the story by Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Greg Banks.
We’ve assembled some special information to help you and your family to get ready for the upcoming performance. Before you go to the show, you might want to take a few moments to review this “Know Before You Go” Guide so everyone will know what to expect from the performance!
The Story You Will See
This adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic jungle adventure begins with the dangerous tiger, Shere Khan, hunting a very young “man cub” through the forest. The boy hides in the cave of a wolf family who decide to save him from the tiger and name him Mowgli. When Mowgli is old enough, he has to appear before the wolf pack and have two members of the pack speak for him. Shere Khan is ready to claim his prize when Baloo, a bear, and Bagheera, a black panther, step forward and agree to take on Mowgli and educate him about the ways of the jungle. Their caregiving approaches are very different and Mowgli grows tired of learning their lessons. He makes some untrustworthy friends with a group of monkeys, putting himself in great danger where he must be rescued. Hearing of Mowgli’s plight from the vultures, Bagheera and Baloo team up with Kaa, a ruthless python, and they rush to the ruined city to try find him…hopefully before Shere Khan does!
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Best for ages 8+ | 70 minutes long without an intermission
The Characters You Will Meet
MOWGLI – A human child who is growing up in the jungles of India, watched over by some animals and hunted by a dangerous Bengal tiger.
SHERE KHAN – A treacherous but injured Bengal tiger who feels that he should have the right to eat Mowgli because he hunted him first.
BAGHEERA – A wise and dutiful panther who accepts responsibility for teaching Mowgli how to survive in the jungle. He is taking care of Mowgli until he is able to fend for himself.
BALOO – A somewhat scattered and silly bear who also offers to help take care of Mowgli. His efforts can sometimes make it difficult.
KAA – A strong and powerful predator who can hypnotize her prey. She agrees to help rescue Mowgli but also has her own motives.
WOLVES – A loyal family pack that first encounters Mowgli when he hides away in their cave. They decide to raise him as a part of their pack until he is old enough to survive on his own.
MONKEYS – Mischievous creatures who lure Mowgli away from his caregivers with the false promise that they will make him their leader so he will be in charge.
VULTURES – A flock of rather silly and carefree birds who find Mowgli in trouble and decide to help him out.
Know Before You Go
Here are some things your family might like to
“Know Before You Go”:
This adaptation of The Jungle Book is rather different from some of the film or television adaptations that your family may have seen, including the Disney films. All of the characters are played by a group of actors who also narrate the story as they go. The actors play multiple roles and they may not be dressed in the kinds of “animal costumes” that you expect!
They sometimes say the law of the jungle is “Eat or be eaten,” and there are several predator characters — including a vicious Bengal tiger who is eager to eat Mowgli and a snake that devours monkeys — that may be frightening for some sensitive children. You may want to prepare younger theatergoers.
Mowgli is on a journey of discovery and adventure in the jungle where he doesn’t
quite fit in. He gets into some “close calls” and “narrow escapes” along the way that may be slightly intense for some viewers.
A note about parking:
City of Omaha Parking meters are now active from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Metered parking spots will still be free on Sundays and holidays.
Free parking is available in the Wells Fargo parking lot on the northwest corner of 20th & Farnam Streets on weekends and after 5:30 pm on weeknights.
Parking is also now available for $2 in the parking garage at 19th & Harney, courtesy of the Omaha Douglas Public Building Commission.
While at The Rose
Join Our Post-Performance Q&A Session! A few minutes after the performance, our actors will conduct a Question & Answer session from the stage. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the scenery, costumes, special effects, and other aspects of the production. The actors may even have a question or two for you about the story.
Meet the Cast & Get an Autograph! Some performers will be available after the show to say hello, pose in pictures, and sign their autographs for you. You can meet them on the mezzanine level right outside the entrance to our balcony level seats.
Take Home a Souvenir! The Rose Guild presents a souvenir stand before and after each performance offering a variety of fun and inexpensive show-related mementos. The proceeds help to support the great education programs at The Rose Theater!
The Rose Theater 2001 Farnam Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 the-rose.local
Wait, There’s More!
Grab a Theater Class Brochure! If you like what you saw on the stage and think you’d like to be a part of it, try taking a theater class here at The Rose Theater. We offer a wide range of arts classes for every interest and experience level.
Please visit our website to read director’s notes and view production photos. Box Office Assistance The Rose Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm at (402) 345-4849. Information and ticketing is also available online at the-rose.local.
The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, United States
