Jungle Book The Musical features Krispin Masealu, left, as Colonel Hathi, Mishka Miller as Baloo, Michalea Logan as Mowgli, Beau van der Beeke as King Louie, Sarah Thillagaratnam as Bagheera and, at front, Tara Talbot as Kaa.
The jungle is jumping with a jazzy beat this July as the collected stories of Rudyard Kipling come together in Laughing Horse Productions'
Jungle Book The Musical. Written by Marcus Weber and Michael Summ, the rock, pop and funky adaptation has been performed thousands of times across Europe.
Krispin Maesalu has taken on the challenge of both director and musical director for this WA premiere at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre. The story follows a small boy who crawls into the jungle and is raised by a mother wolf and her family while being taught the laws of the jungle by the other animals.
Mowgli (Michalea Logan, left) and King Louie (Beau van der Beeke) in Jungle Book The Musical.
"Jungle Book The Musical has many messages for audiences, both young and young at heart," he said. "The show teaches us to face our fears and reminds us to try and lead a fun and happy life."
The main challenge, according to Krispin, is the show's eclectic music. "There are some grungy rock numbers, a beautiful lullaby, kooky vaudeville songs and some cheeky salsas," he said. "The cast have learnt their harmonies well and our newcomers are excited to sing in their first lead roles. This is not the beloved Sherman Brothers Disney soundtrack but it is full of character and fun."
Tara Talbot is Kaa, an enormous snake with an equally large appetite, in Jungle Book The Musical.
After studying all facets of the performing arts, Krispin's versatility as a singer, actor, musician and composer has seen him work extensively across the country. He has a wealth of experience directing and performing in numerous musical productions and on television over the past 15 years with credits including
Be More Chill, Side by Side, Honk!, Gumshoe, Clue the Musical, Seussical and
Peter Pan, among many others.
"Laughing Horse Productions always seem to present delightful musicals, from operettas to the golden age and beyond," he said. "Working on a new and modern setting of a well-loved story was an exciting opportunity. I also play the role of Colonel Hathi, who is a bit past his prime but a well-meaning if not slightly preposterous pachyderm."
Aaron O'Neil is the tiger Shere Khaan in Jungle Book The Musical.
Aaron O'Neil plays the brutal and dangerous tiger Shere Khan. "
He was banished from the jungle for his savagery and is angry, petty and vengeful," he said. "
The biggest challenge is not going too far with the scariness."
Performing for the past six years, Aaron has appeared with Modicum and Phoenix Theatres and Laughing Horse Productions. He was recognised for his performance as Mr Beaver in Koorliny Arts Centre's 2019 production of
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the annual Finley Awards. "
Jungle Book The Musical appealed because I have an appreciation of the source material and it was a chance to work with people I've previously done shows with," Aaron said.
Jungle Book The Musical's ensemble Georgia Talbot, left, Izzy Gath, Renae Harmer, Chloe van der Beeke and Isla Sweetman surround King Louie (Beau van der Beeke, centre).
Renae Harmer plays three roles: a marching elephant, monkey and mother wolf. "
I have been the mother to Mowgli as he was growing up and many other animals have also wanted to play that role," she said.
"The monkey is part of a group and very cheeky while the elephant is second-in-charge during a march. Playing three different animals is a challenge because I have to remember how to be each one as we sing, dance and act."
Tiger Shere Khaan (Aaron O'Neil, at back) preys on Mowgli (Michalea Logan).
Previously, Renae has performed with Laughing Horse Productions in
Oliver! and Roleystone Theatre in
Dick Whittington.
"I love singing, dancing and being in a community group," she said. "
And I love Jungle Book The Musical and all the songs involved."
Jungle Book The Musical plays at 7.30pm July 9 and 10 with 2pm matinees July 3 and 10. Tickets are $30, $22 concession and $15 children book at
tinyurl.com/junglebook2021. The Don Russell Performing Arts Centre is at Lot 13, Murdoch Road, Thornlie.
