It's a Jungle Out There -- Join Fun with Huntington Theatre at the Zoo

If you are in Boston, here's a great family activity in front of what looks to be a great family show at Huntington Theatre Company.

In advance of its world premiere musical production The Jungle Book, Huntington Theatre Company teams up with Zoo New England in August for Jungle Book Days at the Zoo. Families are invited to visit the Franklin Park Zoo on Aug. 3 and 31 and Stone Zoo on Aug. 24 for Jungle Book-themed fun and activities including zookeeper encounters where visitors can learn more about some of the animals featured in Kipling’s stories, a scavenger hunt through the zoo among the exhibits, interactive storytelling by Huntington teaching artists, face painting, a coloring contest, and more.

Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road, Boston

August 3, 11am – 2pm

Story hour: 11:30am and 12:30pm at the Main Greeting

Zookeeper encounter: 1:30pm at the Tiger exhibit

Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham

August 24, 11:30am – 2:30pm

Story hour: 12pm and 2pm in the Amphitheater

Zookeeper encounter: 1pm at Black Bear exhibit

Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road, Boston

August 31, 11am – 2pm

Story hour: 11:30am and 12:30pm at the Main Greeting

Zookeeper encounter: 1:30pm at the Tiger exhibit

The “brilliantly rendered” (Chicago Sun-Times) production of The Jungle Book, wholly reimagined for the stage by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, begins at the Huntington on September 7 plays through October 13, 2013 due to a one week extension by popular demand. Performances are at the Huntington’s Boston University Theatre; Opening Night is Wednesday, September 18.

Tickets to The Jungle Book are available online at huntingtontheatre.org, by phone at 617 266 0800, and in person at the BU Theatre (Avenue of the Arts / 264 Huntington Avenue) and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA (South End / 527 Tremont Street) box offices. Group tickets at up to 20% off are available at 617 273 1525. The most affordable way to see Huntington productions is with a subscription. Seven-play packages including The Jungle Book are the best value and start at just $126. More information is available by phone at 617 266 0800 and online at huntingtontheatre.org/subscribe.

Tickets to The Jungle Book start at $25, with prices ranging to $135 (subject to change). Selected discounts are available. See the complete performance calendar below.

The Jungle Book is produced in association with Chicago’s Goodman Theatre where it is currently playing to 99% capacity and has been extended a record-setting three times.  The Goodman’s complete 19-member cast transfers to the Huntington, and four Boston musicians join eight of the production’s original musicians to comprise the jazz/Indian band of twelve.

A new stage musical, The Jungle Book is a movement-filled adventure chronicling young Mowgli’s coming-of-age in the animal kingdom. Director Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation is based on Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 collection of stories set in the Indian jungle and Walt Disney’s 1967 animated film and presents the movie’s best-loved songs in wholly new Indian-inspired arrangements. Legendary Academy Award and Grammy winner Richard M. Sherman — whose numerous songwriting credits with brother Robert B. Sherman include the motion pictures The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Aristocats — collaborates on this production, providing Music Director Doug Peck access and permission to adapt songs that Sherman and his brother wrote for the film, plus never-before-heard material. Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli with Indian dance consultant Hema Rajagopalan combine elements of classical Indian dance forms with jazz, tap, and more to enhance the storytelling.

The Jungle Book is produced by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions, which proudly supports Zimmerman's development of this title, providing financial support, creative consultation, and access to song material.