The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati can always be trusted to deliver a fantastic show that will provide equal parts delight and learning experiences for your family. That is certainly the case with their production of Disney’s “The Jungle Book,” their 4th time performing this story in the last twenty years. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s original novel and the hit Disney animated film, TCT makes it their own with the clever choice to celebrate and showcase Indian culture. They even brought in a cultural consultant, Anupa Mirle, to help ensure that every aspect from costuming to choreography to set design were inspired by India. In a visually beautiful show, Mowgli and his motley crew of fantastical beasts will stampede their way into your heart as they deliver a wild adventure about belonging and standing up to bullies. This show is quite possibly one of my favorite TCT productions to date. 

Beginning with a book that clearly wanted to be read (Jumanji-esque) and an incredibly clever shadow puppet storytelling technique, this show captures your heart immediately. The familiar characters of Bagheera (the black panther), Colonel Hathi (the elephant) and Kaa (the boa constrictor) are brought to life with smartly choreographed animalistic movements, powerful voices, and a healthy sense of humor. My daughter and I were blown away by the costumes, which manage to transform talented actors and dancers into wild animals and creatures romping through a literal jungle, leaving us yearning for a safari vacation. Her personal favorites were Baloo, played with utter perfection by Joanna Bennett, and King Louie, delivered with sass and a smirk by John Woll. Their infectious tickle scene and jungle boogies are being recreated in my household as I write this review. Every scene and song will have you dancing in your seat, fully engaged in the story unfolding while also realizing that they are sharing important life lessons on the importance of being you, standing up for yourself and working together. The idea of “that’s what friends are for” is a powerful mantra in our world today and one that we should all take to heart. 

One of my favorite aspects of TCT is that they clearly understand and appreciate children, delivering performances that are an ode to joyful, experiential learning. At no more than a 50 minute run-time per show, they hit the sweet spot of engagement and fulfillment without the fatigue. Opening minds through creativity is the cornerstone of their efforts, offering shows that are visually stunning, cleverly written, and always showcase an important life lesson. This particular show, while primarily about figuring out who you really are and where you belong, takes the opportunity to remind you that reading is the key to unlocking your imagination. Using books throughout the production, both as the entry into the story and ongoing as part of the set design, it is a clever and intelligent way to encourage the next generation to pick up a book every now and then. Bringing the audience into the performance is also an expected part of TCT shows, and this musical is no exception, charming its way into your heart with its sing-along of “The Bare Necessities.” TCT truly leverages live theater as a forum for learning, going above and beyond with every aspect of their experience, including offering theater etiquette before the show, fascinating trivia with the “Did You Know” articles and the “Jungle Quiz” in the Playbook, and an opportunity to experience more long after the curtain falls with the post-show podcast, “Footlights.” Kudos to TCT for helping us all be a little smarter (and happier) due to their thoughtful and intentional experiences.

This show is an adventure-filled jungle romp for audiences of all ages that will leave everyone singing the tunes and smiling from ear to ear well beyond the last curtain call. As an added bonus before the show begins, Producing Artistic Director Roderick Justice announces next season’s Mainstage Production series. It looks to be another fantastic season, focused on the power of children! Our girls are so excited and have already put “hold the dates” on the calendar. If you are looking for more theater experiences for your family, do not miss the TCT Showtime Series at Red Bank of “Rumpelstiltskin” March 15-17 and the last TCT Mainstage production, “Sleeping Beauty,” April 27-May 6. For those of you with little ones who want to go beyond being a part of the audience, consider registering for one of TCT’s summer camps. And if you have not already, please consider giving to the 2019 ArtsWave Campaign to continue supporting the fabulous community arts, like The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati.   

Christi Geary is the proud mom of two girls (8 and 11), best friend and wife of her husband Brian, and an Associate Director at the Procter & Gamble Company focused on shopper innovation insights and analytics. She enjoys and participates in art of every kind, feeds an insatiable curiosity for learning every day through books and connecting with others, pursues different forms of exercise when she can find the time to balance out her foodie predilection (highly recommend DanceFix and Pilates Reformer), and delights in spending time with family and friends. Writing reviews for the arts is an absolute privilege and one she cherishes every day, with the hope that sharing her perspective will inspire others to embrace the arts.