Each year, Roswell High School’s advanced drama class puts together a one-act play, in which they take to the Georgia High School Association competition, and if they’re lucky, the Georgia Thespian Conference (ThesCon). Formerly, the drama department has only orchestrated school showings of a one-act play after the competition, if at all. This year, however, under the leadership of new fine arts teacher Rebecca Stern, Roswell Theater held three school performances of their show Jungalbook by Edward Mast.

Like the Disney classic, Jungalbook is based on the stories of Rudyard Kipling. Don’t be fooled though, because as Senior Claudia May says, “This play is nothing like the movie.” With a jungle gym as its singular set, the show relies on emotion, lighting, and props to help tell the story. The animals are anthropomorphic and all of the actors are enthralling in their performances. Junior Jessi Kirtley steals the show as the fierce tiger Shere Khan. And as Senior actor Justin Doyle comments, “Jessi’s the best; her part is killer”.

Jungalbook centers on the story of Mowgli, a “man-cub” raised in the jungle, who struggles to create a sense of self-identity. Junior Charlie Plese is once again starring as the lead, after her success as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker last year. The show deals with many serious topics, including death, betrayal and coming of age. Junior Chloe Taylor, who is stage manager, says that her favorite part is “the connection between the actors and their characters.” She adds that, “Seeing the actors connect so deeply with the animals is so inspiring!”

Those interested in watching the performance had three opportunities to do so: Sept. 27, 28, and 29 at 7:00 PM. Lighting technician and Senior Meredith Olsson urged students to attend, saying that “It’s the first show we’ve done with our new drama teacher and we are all really excited to show you how we have breathed new life into the theater program!”

To watch the play, click here.