The summer months are fast approaching and that means new productions at summer theaters, libraries, and community theaters across the country. Children who love to act, sing, and perform can finally get up on stage and enjoy their summer vacation the way they really want to – under the lights of the theater!
One of the most beloved children’s stories is the time-honored tale of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. The fun characters and animals make for a perfect choice for a children’s summer theater production. Charles Stewart has plentiful options for your backdrops for this crowd-pleasing show!
A Little Background on The Jungle Book
Originally published in 1894, The Jungle Book tells the story of a human boy named Mowgli who was raised by animals in the wild. Set in the forests of India, Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and Shere Khan the tiger teach the young boy the “Laws of the Jungle.”
During the epic adventure, the child, who has been mainly raised by wolves, flees the jungle when he is threatened by Shere Khan and embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of panther Bagheera and free-spirited bear Baloo.
Along his journey to safety, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa, a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub. Eventually, Mowgli must face his fears and Shere Khan and find a way to return to his wolf family. This includes teaching the animals of the jungle to put out a raging fire and work together rather than fight each other.
The Forest & Jungle
To have a successful performance of Kipling’s Jungle Book, actors, crew, and producers must convince the audience that they are in the heart of the jungle of India. To do this, they must add mood lighting, the sounds of a jungle, and (of course) a backdrop that shows the thick jungle that Mowgli has been living in with his animal friends and family.
Forest Backdrop #2510 shows a lush thick forest that will put your audience members right in the jungle with the actors. The flowering bushes, crowded trees, and overgrown grass give the feel of being in the wild of the jungle.
Another options for the jungles of India include this backdrop called the Forest Swamp Backdrop # 2509 is great for an alternative jungle location as Mowgli sets off on his epic adventure.
The Night Moon Backdrop #2479 sets the mood for nights when Baloo and Mowgli talk about life and the threats from Shere Khan and what they want in this world.
Jungle Book is a classic tale of adventure and coming to terms with fears and friends. If your theater group is performing this children’s favorite this summer check out our full listing of backdrops to make your performance come to life!