Back by popular demand, Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” has returned to the Arts Center of Cannon County. The double-casted show is filled with Warren County talent, with 13 locals in the presentation. The play features 46 student actors from five Middle Tennessee counties with direction by Mary Wilson, produced by Beth McCrary and choreographed by Ashley Hardage.
The bad cat Shere Khan is played wonderfully by Warren County High School teacher Chad McGee. He tries to harm Mowgli, a boy left in the jungle after his village is attacked by Khan. McGee’s character also interacts with a mischievous snake, played by his daughter, Lucy.
It’s because of Lucy, 14, that McGee is involved at the center. She has attended the summer conservatory program for students, and he was encouraged to take a role in “Mornings at Seven.” Before “The Jungle Book” this was his first role.
“It’s a fun show, definitely a kid’s show with lots of energy,” said Chad. “Lucy wanted to be in it, so I decided to join her so we could do it together.”
In addition to the regular performance schedule, several daytime shows for school children are presented, with many area children getting to see the top-notch presentation.
Join Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle with the help of friends like the black panther, Bagheera, and Baloo, the lovable bear.
Walt Wrather portrays a young Mowgli at the start of the play, and also takes on other roles during the performance. He is joined by his sisters, Emma Kate and Ava Claire in their first on-stage presentation.
Their mother, Mendi Wrather said, “Being on stage helps them out of their comfort zone, and do something different. Even though they are hiding behind a character, it’s a wonderful experience for them, getting to memorize lines and perform before a live audience.”
Veteran Arts Center performers Addy and Mary Margaret Stanley are on board once again for this production. Addy and Emma Kate make believable vultures, as Mary Margaret is Shere Khan’s accomplice, playing a jackal.
Other local talent includes Caroline Gribble, Lucy McGee, Alyssa Melton, Dylan Womack, Maggie Garrett, Bailey Brock and Sofie Womack
The performance schedule is Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21. Friday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays are at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 and may be purchased by calling the Arts Center box office at (615) 563-2787. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.artscenterofcc.com Tickets will be sold at the door, space permitting.
The Arts Center is located on 1424 John Bragg Highway, just west of the town of Woodbury, approximately 20 minutes from Murfreesboro, Manchester, and McMinnville and one hour southeast of Nashville. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information visit www.artscenterofcc.com or call 615-563-(ARTS) 2787.