Synopsis
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Our tale begins deep in the heart of the Jungle. A baby boy, lost and abandoned,
is raised by wolves. He is called "Mowgli" ("Jungle Prologue").
Shere Kahn, the tiger, decides that Mowgli is no longer welcome in the Jungle. To keep him out of danger, Bagheera, the panther, plans to guide Mowgli to the safety of the man village, but Mowgli doesn't want to leave his home. The two settle down for the night under a coconut tree, but their peaceful night is interrupted by Kaa, the Snake ("Kaa the Snake"). Bagheera doesn't notice as Kaa lulls Mowgli into a deep sleep ("Trust in Me"). Bagheera wakes up to find Kaa coiled around Mowgli and chases the snake away ("Night into Day").
As they continue their journey, they encounter a herd of elephants, led by the dotty Colonel Hathi ("Colonel Hathi's March"). As the elephants march off, Bagheera commands Mowgli to follow him without any more argument. Mowgli sits and pouts on a large boulder, only to discover that it is the giant bear, Baloo ("Baloo the Bear").
Baloo offers Mowgli his philosophy on life, which is quite different from what Bagheera has been teaching ("The Bare Necessities"). While Baloo is lost in that swingin' jungle rhythm, a group of shifty-looking monkeys tiptoes in and kidnaps Mowgli. Caught off guard, Baloo calls to Bagheera for help while the monkeys carry Mowgli deep into the jungle, laughing all the way ("Monkey Business").
The monkeys take Mowgli to the ancient ruins, where their leader, the wiley King Louie, is holding court. King Louie tells Mowgli that he wants to learn how to be a man while Baloo and Bagheera sneak on and devise a rescue plan. Baloo, disguised as a very big monkey, will join in the fun to distract King Louie while Bagheera spirits Mowgli away ("I Wan'na Be Like You").
Baloo can't get enough of that jumpin' jazz, and insists on an encore. He continues to swing until his disguise falls off, blowing their cover and forcing them to run ("I Wan'na Be Like You – Reprise"). The monkeys frantically follow in pursuit, but are stopped dead in their tracks when Shere Khan appears. He sharpens his claws and the monkeys scatter in terror ("Shere Khan the Tiger").
After their monkey attack, Baloo now realizes the Jungle is too dangerous for Mowgli and, together with Bagheera, they agree to get him out of the jungle. Mowgli overhears and, not wanting to leave his home, defiantly runs away. Baloo and Bagheera rush off to find him, hoping that Shere Khan doesn't find him first ("Mowgli Runs").
Away from the safety of Baloo and Baghera, Mowgli finds friendship in the other jungle creatures, who promise to protect him if Shere Khan should come around ("That's What Friends Are For").
Shere Khan arrives and prepares to attack Mowgli, but before he can pounce, Baloo appears, rallying the other jungle creatures into battle ("The Battle"). The battle ends with the jungle creatures victorious and Shere Khan cowering in the distance, humiliated and defeated. Once again, the jungle is safe.Shanti, a beautiful young girl who has been hiding in the jungle the whole time, finally reveals herself. She offers to take Mowgli to her village to meet other people just like him. Mowgli decides to explore the "man village" with Shanti, but reminds his friends he will return, for he will always consider the Jungle his home ("The Bare Necessities – Reprise/Finale")
.As the curtain falls, the jungle inhabitants return once more to celebrate that swingin' jungle beat ("I Wan'na Be Like You – Reprise/Bows").
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
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Mowgli-
Mowgli is a boy who gets along with everyone and who is very likable. He has a joyful and curious nature, and a twinkle in his eye.
Gender: male
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Bagheera
The role of Bagheera, the panther, is not gender-specific. Bagheera should be physically agile and uninhibited with good command of his or her body. The actor should also possess a natural talent for acting, singing and leading a story. Bagheera should act like an older brother or sister to Mowgli.
Gender: any
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Baloo
Baloo, the bear, should be cast by someone who is exuberant with a great natural talent for singing and acting. Baloo provides much of the comedic relief in the story, so the actor must possess a natural sense of comedy. Baloo's part in "I Wan'na Be Like You" demands a singer with a strong sense of rhythm.
Gender: male
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Kaa
Kaa, the snake, supplies threat and danger to Mowgli's journey out of the jungle. Cast someone with flair and good vocal and movement skills to be the lead Kaa (the head of the snake).
Gender: any
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Shere Khan
Shere Khan, the tiger, is King of the Jungle. Consider casting someone who could be physically threatening, either in size, attitude, or both.. He is the villain and the story depends on a good villain.
Gender: male
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Colonel Hathi
Colonel Hathi, the elephant, is in charge of the elephant brigade. but is also a little forgetful. He is good at giving commands but doesn't really understand what's going on around him.
Gender: male
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Elephant Troupe
The Elephant Troupe can have as many or as few children as you like, but cast enough to make it look like a brigade - at least eight. They don't need to be strong singers, but should be good movers/dancers so they can physicalize the behavior of elephants and march in and out of formation.
Gender: any​
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Baby Elephant
The Baby Elephant can be cast with the smallest or youngest child. There is a solo line in the song as well as marching, so the child should have a sense of music and movement.
Gender: any
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King Louie
King Louie is King of the Monkeys. Cast an actor with strong comedic timing and good singing ability.
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Old Monkey
Cast the Old Monkey with a strong actor over a singer. He or she should not be afraid to assume the physical traits of a monkey.
Gender: any
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Monkeys
Monkeys should be strong dancers. "I Wan'na Be Like You" offers the chance to do great musical choreography.
Gender: any
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Jungle Chorus
The Jungle Chorus is your ensemble of singers, actors and dancers.
Gender: any
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Coconut Tree / Shanti
Shanti is the girl who takes Mowgli to the village at the end of the story. She is hiding in the jungle the entire time disguised as a Coconut Tree. She should exude sweetness and kindness and have a natural ability for acting and singing. She has a couple of solos as the Coconut Tree.
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Shanti's Family
Shanti's Family is not seen, but represented by offstage voices.
Gender: any
