ORLANDO, Fla. – “The Jungle Book” from Modern Theatricals is coming to downtown Orlando, but it’s not the story you’d typically expect.
In this sequel expanding on the world of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, Shere Khan the Tiger and Mora the Peacock will take center stage.
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The show highlights the power of determination, forgiveness and acceptance.
Helen Tom plays Mora. She said in order to relate to her character, she has to tap into a sense of pride, elegance and a flair for the dramatic.
“Like Mora, I appreciate the beauty in life and enjoy expressing myself creatively. Whether it’s through vibrant costumes or graceful movements, playing Mora allows me to embrace my inner diva,” Tom said.
She said there is one part in the show, she’s especially excited for the audience to see.
“Without giving too much away, there’s a part in the show that’s truly magical, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it! It will absolutely keep the audience spellbound!”
Donald Spencer is the director, writer and designer for the show. He’s known in Central Florida for his unique and immersive theatrical revisions like “Down the Rabbit Hole,” and “Lost Boy.”
Spencer said the pandemic forced Modern Theatricals to take a step back for a few years.
“During this time, we focused on refining our craft, exploring new ideas, and planning our next big project. ‘The Jungle Book’ represents our grand return to the stage, because it embodies all the creativity, passion, and hard work we’ve been pouring into the company during our time away,” Spencer said.
Planning for “The Jungle Book” started about a year ago, with the cast and crew coming together around six months ago.
In this version of “The Jungle Book,” you can expect to see intricate masks, life-size puppets, circus art and Bollywood dancers.
“The audience can expect a truly immersive experience that brings ‘The Jungle Book’ to life in a way they’ve never seen before. We’ve integrated live music, circus arts, larger then life puppets, and stunning visual costumes to transport viewers into the heart of the jungle. The performances are powerful, the storytelling is both faithful and innovative, and the overall experience is designed to be emotionally resonant and visually captivating,” Spencer explained.
There will be 8 p.m. shows and 2 p.m. matinees inside the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at Dr. Phillips Center. Tickets are $85 per person. Click here for more information.
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