Rosarian Academy Brings “The Jungle Book” to Life on Stage
West Palm Beach, FL – This past weekend, Rosarian Academy transported audiences to the heart of the jungle with its stunning performances of The Jungle Book on Friday and Saturday. This production, a bold adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, marked the debut of Flint Keller as Rosarian’s Fine Arts Director. Following in the footsteps of Bob Sherman, who led the program for an incredible 25 years, Mr. Keller brought a fresh vision to the stage that paid homage to the Academy’s legacy of theatrical excellence.
The talented student cast brought the jungle alive with dynamic performances, enhanced by vibrant puppetry, lush live plants, and a set design that immersed the audience in Kipling’s world. Characters leapt off the stage with remarkable energy, capturing the heart and soul of The Jungle Book’s themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Among the talented cast, Gabby Petrucco (4th grader) shone in the lead role of Mowgli, capturing the character’s adventurous spirit and resilience. Other standout performances included Jasmine Lazzara (7th grade) as the jovial Baloo, Leeza Kegan (5th grade) as the protective Bagheera, Lola Grande (7th grade) as the menacing Shere Khan, and Sebastian Hilfiger (8th grade) as the hypnotic and cunning Kaa.
Full Cast and Roles:
- Mowgli: Gabby Petrucco
- Baloo: Jasmine Lazzara
- Bagheera: Leeza Kegan
- Shere Khan: Lola Grande
- Kaa: Sebastian Hilfiger
- Akela: Eleanor Caron
- Messua: Samantha Ghattas, Sebastian Sancho
- Father Wolf: John Mele
- Mother Wolf: Noelle Moran
- Tabaqui: Andrea Velutini
- Wolves: Jasmine Capuchino, Fiona Hooker, Natalia Kareh, Stella Mallon, Mary Carlysle Mckinney
- Funky: Clover Merrigan
- Cheeky: Angelina Chimienti
- Trout: Luciana Vargas
- Kites: Giada Grande, Megyn Alcime, Charlotte Rhom
The play’s creative direction and innovative staging elevated the performance to new heights. The addition of puppetry gave life to the jungle’s animals, while live plants and lush set design enhanced the atmosphere, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The students’ impeccable stage positioning, voice projection, and commitment to their characters made the performance unforgettable, with the mischievous monkeys adding a hysterical touch that left the audience laughing out loud.
Special thanks go to Jeanne Bennett, who worked alongside Mr. Keller, designing the remarkable costumes, managing backstage work, and bringing it all together as a true fine arts mastermind!
Mr. Keller expressed pride in the students’ dedication, saying, “It was incredible to witness such passion and talent in these young performers. They brought Kipling’s world to life in a way that was both heartfelt and visually stunning. I am honored to continue Rosarian’s theater tradition and can’t wait for what’s next.”
This production also highlighted Rosarian’s commitment to fostering creativity and confidence in its students through the arts. The cast’s hard work and enthusiasm shone through every moment, leaving the audience eager for the Academy’s next theatrical endeavor.
Relive the magic of The Jungle Book with beautiful photos captured by the Palm Beach Daily News! https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/picture-gallery/news/2024/11/23/photos-rosarian-academy-students-perform-play-the-jungle-book/76504309007/
