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Youth theater group to stage ‘The Jungle Book’ in Huntley

The term “raised by wolves” takes on new meaning with Christian Youth Theater — Kane County’s production of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”

Performances are set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road.

This year, the play has a new director, former choreographer Bre Mastrodonato, who was chosen because of the dance-heavy script.

“I think the audience will be surprised at the gigantic visuals we have,” Mastrodonato said. “It’s a very visual play that has a lot of different makeup and costumes.”

The story follows a young boy named Mowgli who was raised in the jungles of India by a pack of wolves. There he learns the laws of the jungle from his good friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the black panther. Throughout his adventures, he meets characters of all shapes and sizes.

As the name suggests, Christian Youth Theater is a Christian-based youth theater company committed to training students to perform quality family entertainment. Students 8-18 are able to enroll in classes and to audition for a show.

“I used to work backstage until I was convinced to audition for a show, then I was hooked on performing,” said Wyatt Petty, 13, of St. Charles.

The play, which began casting in August, took about 14 rehearsals to practice. Plays usually consist of 80-90 students, but this production only involves 68 students.

“I was surprised at how quick the kids learn. We can go through the play millions of times because of how fast they grasp it,” said Mastrodonato.

Acting isn’t all the students learn; for some, Christian Youth Theater helps them on their faith journey.

“In school plays, we don’t get to incorporate God in our production and being in a Christian-based play is how I’ve grown closer to my faith,” said Joey Medarrah, 16, of Huntley.

Medarrah said he was convinced to audition for the theater’s play “Mulan” after he practiced singing at his friend’s house in the sixth grade.

“I was never the one to sing in front of an audience, but after my first play, it stuck with me,” said Medarrah.

For tickets visit cytchicago.org or call (847) 516-2298. Advance ticket prices are $12 for adults and $9 for students ($14/$11 at the door).

  Christian Youth Theater’s production of “The Jungle Book” opens today at Huntley High School, with a cast of 68 young actors. Jennifer Wolan/jwolan@dailyherald.com

If you go

What: Christian Youth Theater Kane County’s production of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9

Where: Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony Road

Tickets: $12 adults, $9 children in advance; $14/11 at the door

Details: cytchicago.org or (847) 516-2298