JUNGLE BOOK Composer Richard Sherman to Speak at Huntington Theatre, 9/15

The public is invited to a once-in-a-lifetime conversation with legendary Grammy and Academy Award winner Richard M. Sherman (The Jungle Book) on Sunday, September 15 at 11am. Boston Globe Arts Editor Rebecca Ostriker leads the conversation with Sherman about his astonishing career and achievements that will include performances of his classic, unforgettable songs. More information at huntingtontheatre.org/Sherman.

Sherman, who co-wrote (with brother Robert B. Sherman) the famed music of the films The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bangand many more, as well as the anthem "It's a Small World," collaborated with director Mary Zimmerman and music director Doug Peck on the new musical stage adaptation of The Jungle Book that begins at the Huntington on Saturday, September 7. As part of the process, he provided access and permission to adapt unused songs written for the film plus new lyrics written for this production.

"The Jungle Book has proven to be a groundbreaking and thrilling experience," said Sherman. "I'm delighted with the fusion of authentic Indian instrumentation with the fun of American jazz. Mary Zimmerman and Doug Peck are brilliant creators, and with this production, the world is seeing and hearing something they've never experienced before."

A Conversation with Richard Sherman begins at 10am with a light brunch in the lobby of the BU Theatre, located on the Avenue of the Arts (264 Huntington Avenue). Tickets are $15 ($10 for Huntington and Boston Globe subscribers). Performances of The Jungle Book follow A Conversation with Richard Sherman at 2pm and 7pm on September 15. See event and performance ticket purchase information below.

The "inventive and visually stunning" (Entertainment Weekly) production wholly reimagined for the stage by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman (Candide) is based on Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling's 1893 collection of stories set in the Indian jungle and Walt Disney's 1967 animated film. The Jungle Book has been critically hailed as "entirely fresh, ever-surprising, and winningly whimsical" (Chicago Sun-Times), "sophisticated, sensual, and gorgeous" (Chicago Tribune), and "breathlessly entertaining" (Daily Herald). The New York Times praises, "The flora and fauna of India shimmer with eye-filling allure in the inventive new stage adaptation." The Jungle Book is produced by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions and in association with Chicago's Goodman Theatre.

Richard M. & Robert B. Sherman (Original Music & Lyrics) have honors that include two Academy Awards (Mary Poppins), nine Academy Award nominations, three GRAMMY Awards, 24 gold/platinum albums, a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Early hits, including "You're 16" and "Tall Paul," led to a long-term association with Walt Disney and more than 150 songs for Disney films, TV and theme parks ("It's a Small World" being the world's most translated and performed song). Their Disney film credits include The Jungle Book, The Parent Trap, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Winnie the Pooh, The AristoCats, and The Tigger Movie. Other films include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tom Sawyer, The Slipper and the Rose, Charlotte's Web and Beverly Hills Cop 3. Stage credits include Over Here!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London, Broadway, UK tour), Busker Alley, and Mary Poppins (London and Broadway).

Extended by popular demand, The Jungle Book now plays September 7 - October 13 at the Huntington's main stage, the BU Theatre. Tickets start at $25 with prices ranging to $135 - subject to change - with select discounts available.

Tickets to performances and A Conversation with Richard Sherman can be purchased online at huntingtontheatre.org, by phone at 617 266 0800, or in person at the Box Offices at the Avenue of the Arts / BU Theatre (264 Huntington Avenue) and South End / Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA (527 Tremont Street).

Photo Credit: Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

To post a comment, you must register and login.