Take a journey through the jungle this summer as Adaire Theatre presents Disney's

"The Jungle Book"

 

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The story is about a man-cub named Mowgli who has been raised by wolves since birth. One day Mowgli realizes he must leave his home in the jungle after a tiger, Shere Khan, threatens him with his mighty roar.  Along his journey, Mowgli meets a panther named Bagheera and a bear named Baloo who help him learn important lessons about life.  

 

This is Adaire Theatre’s sixth season of bringing family-friendly entertainment to the New River Valley. 

 

“It’s an exciting time for Adaire Theatre. The community support has been amazing. Each year the theatre keeps growing and we’re excited to bring another great show to you this year,” said Kendall Payne, founder of Adaire Theatre. 

 

Just as the story of “The Jungle Book” teaches about the importance of having good friends in your corner, the same goes for Adaire Theatre. 

 

Payne has many friends that have helped him get his dream off the ground. For the past three years Keith Patrick McCoy has played a major role in the vision of Adaire Theatre. Payne and McCoy met while performing in professional shows. McCoy’s passion for theatre is evident when he’s working with the actors. 

 

“I earnestly believe that theatre and performance can be used as a challenging, creative, and meaningful way to help young people believe in who and what they are,” said McCoy. 

 

“My goal is to motivate performers of all ages to find their inner strength instilling core life skills such as leadership, self-expression, tolerance and active listening through a supportive, play-centered environment. I aim to provide a stimulating learning environment that promotes confidence and encourages children, teens and adults to reach their full potential,” he said. 

 

Although the storyline of “The Jungle Book” is entertaining in itself, Payne and McCoy also want audiences to realize the true underlying message.

 

“It is often said that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Mowgli is raised by many teachers in a community setting. Through his relationship with Baloo and Bagheera, Mowgli feels the consistent and reliable presence and support of a male role model. Young boys need a man to look up to and respect, one who exhibits qualities they want to emulate and embrace as their own,” said McCoy. 

 

“There are many life lessons that are brought to life in the story of the jungle book. Particularly, the importance of family. Not just a blood related family, but the bonds of family that are linked and created through trust, respect and love. I also enjoy a more subtle message in the story. “Doing the right thing is often the thing we find the most difficult to do, but by making a conscience choice to do so, it is where we discover our integrity and build self-respect, ” said Payne.

 

For Payne and McCoy this year’s production means it’s another opportunity to give back to the community. 

 

“As Adaire Theatre continues to grow and flourish we hope to continue to inspire, nurture, challenge, amaze, educate and empower artists and audiences. To create opportunities for community participation in enriching theatrical experiences. During this season our focus is on inclusion and quality, giving the public a well-balanced theatrical season, and striving to meet with excellence all of the demands placed on a community theatre,” McCoy said. 

 

Performances of “The Jungle Book” will take place at Pulaski County High School in the Little Theatre. Show dates are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – June 16-18 and June 23-25.

 

Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday performances at 2 p.m. There will also be a special public preview performance on Thursday June 15 at 7 p.m.

 

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens/military and $7 for children/students. 

 

For more information on performances, classes, private lessons and Adaire Theatre’s "Taking the Stage"  summer camps, visit www.adairetheatre.org.