Creatures inhabit action-filled play at Santa Susana High


MONKEY BUSINESS—Mowgli, played by Emily Hayden, is taken by monkeys during rehearsals for “The Jungle Book”at Santa Susana High School on Feb. 14. Santa Susana Children’s Theatre is staging this retelling of the Disney tale at 7 p.m. Feb. 18. Photos by RICHARD GILLARD/Acorn Newspapers

MONKEY BUSINESS—Mowgli, played by Emily Hayden, is taken by monkeys during rehearsals for “The Jungle Book”at Santa Susana High School on Feb. 14. Santa Susana Children’s Theatre is staging this retelling of the Disney tale at 7 p.m. Feb. 18. Photos by RICHARD GILLARD/Acorn Newspapers

Santa Susana High School’s award-winning drama department presents a new retelling of the childhood classic “The Jungle Book” at 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in the school’s Performing Arts Center, 3570 Cochran St., Simi Valley.

The adventurous tale tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy who is raised by wolves. He’s befriended by Bagheera, the panther, and Baloo, the bear, and threatened by Shere Khan, an evil tiger.

Also present are an array of other jungle creatures who inhabit the action-filled play.

Interspersed with the Mowgli tale is the intriguing story of a young Rudyard Kipling, who is sent from his home in India to a British boarding school where he encounters his own “jungle,” including people—both good and bad—who parallel many of the animal characters he created.

Filled with excitement and humor, the play highlights the struggle of good versus evil, the worth of friendship and the importance of loyalty required for surviving the “law of the jungle.”

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT—Shere Khan, played by Andrea Arango, right, speaks with the wolf pack during a dress rehearsal of “The Jungle Book” at Santa Susana High School on Feb. 14.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT—Shere Khan, played by Andrea Arango, right, speaks with the wolf pack during a dress rehearsal of “The Jungle Book” at Santa Susana High School on Feb. 14.

The show is directed by Artur Cybulski (with assistance by Juliana Carrillo) and features original music by Madison McLaughlin.

Santa Susana Children’s Theatre brings a show filled with lovable characters and a delightful story suited for all ages, a news release says.

General tickets are $18. Discounted tickets are $16 with a valid student ID or for children under age 12. Go online to tinyurl.com/jungletix0218.