JUNGLE BOOK Comes To Pasadena Playhouse 7/17-29

Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, presents a new family-friendly production of Jungle Book. Adapted from the works of Rudyard Kipling, this version is written and directed by Craig Francis and Rick Miller and is performed Tuesday, July 17 through Sunday, July 29 (press opening July 18).

From Mowgli to Baloo the Bear, Kaa the snake and more, this Jungle Book re-imagines Kipling's classic stories and brings to life the known and loved characters, while also introducing some of the other colorful inhabitants of Kipling's books, and even today's urban jungle. Through eye-popping video, interactive technology and the whimsical and soulful stories, poems and songs from the original novel, this time-honored tale transports audiences of all ages world of adventure in the jungle.

Francis and Miller previous created a Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, which The New York Times called "magical, jaw-dropping, frisky, nifty and zesty." This Jungle Book takes the same theatrical approach as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea: to re-imagine a classic story through modern eyes.

This very theatrical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book employs a rich soundscape, immersive multimedia, inventive puppetry, and a variety of new and traditional theatrical traditions to transport audiences to the world's jungles. It features its favorite characters as never seen before, bringing out the original themes of the story, while connecting audiences to the story's Indian locale and the human relationship to the animal kingdom.

"Although the Mowgli stories in Kipling's The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book have been often adapted for film and TV, there are also other stories in the books about different animals from around the world that we can't wait to introduce to Pasadena," said co-creator and co-director Rick Miller. "The stories, poems and songs that Kipling assembled in The Jungle Book cover a great deal of territory, both thematically and geographically."

Tickets are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by phone at 626-356-7529, and in person at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.

This production, a Kidoons and WYRD Production in association with The 20K Collective, will have its world premiere at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida, before it is performed at The Pasadena Playhouse.

The design team includes some of Canada's most talented artists. Astrid Janson (Set, Props and Costume Design), winner of the prestigious Siminovitch Award for Theatre Design; multiple Dora Award winners Debashis Sinha (Sound and Music Design) and Rebecca Picherack (Lighting Design); JUNO Award nominated world music artist Suba Sankaran (Composition); as well as Irina Litvinkeno (Video Design) whose multimedia designs were featured in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea.

ABOUT The Pasadena Playhouse -- The Pasadena Playhouse is a place where people have gathered for 100 years to experience bold and important theater. It is one of the most prolific theaters in American history with a legacy of profound theatrical impact and courageous new work. In 1937, the Playhouse was officially recognized as the State Theater of California for its contribution and commitment to the dramatic arts. Today it continues that tradition of excellence under the helm of producing artistic director Danny Feldman. Dedicated to enriching lives through theater, community programs and learning initiatives, Pasadena Playhouse is a living force in the community.

BIOGRAPHIES

Rick Miller (Co-creator / Director / Outreach Manager)
Rick Miller is a Dora and Gemini award-winning writer/director/actor/musician/educator who has performed in five languages on five continents and who Entertainment Weekly called "one of the 100 most creative people alive today". He has created and toured solo shows such as the hit sensation BOOM, MacHomer, and (w. Daniel Brooks) Bigger Than Jesus and HARDSELL. With Robert Lepage, he has collaborated on Geometry of Miracles, Zulu Time, Lipsynch, and on the film Possible Worlds. As the artistic director of WYRD Productions and co-creative director of the Kidoons Network, Rick has most recently developed BOOM and its forthcoming sequel BOOM X, and (w. Craig Francis) Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, GAME of CLONES, and Jungle Book; as well as animated series that educate, enlighten, empower and entertain young people. He teaches an interdisciplinary class at the University of Toronto called The Architecture of Creativity. Rick is from Montreal, and lives in Toronto with his wife Stephanie Baptist and their two daughters.

Craig Francis (Co-creator / Director / Stage Manager)
Craig Francis is a renowned Canadian writer, illustrator, performer, and multi-disciplinary creator, whose works are enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. As a founding member of the 20K Collective, he is the co-Author and co-Director with Rick Miller of the theatrical productions Jungle Book and Game of Clones, as well as their Stage Manager. Craig is also the co-Author and Stage Manager of the hit touring production Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea (directed by Miller), and a Producer and designer on Miller's solo productions BOOM and BOOM X. He is co-creating Frankenstein (with Miller and Paul Van Dyck), and writing Wizard of Oz and Rose Red. Craig illustrates the animated cartoons for the Kidoons Network, as well as writing and voicing the characters. The videos are on display at museums in 4 provinces, with millions of views. Craig has co-developed performing arts software; created award-winning marketing designs and brands; illustrated several books; appeared as a comedian on CBC, CTV, and Showtime; and his voices can be heard in animated series and games.

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