The Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater, directed by Gabriel Chajnik, will be presenting “The Jungle Book” in February.
Bringing to life Rudyard Kipling’s children’s classic, the company is presenting an original dance musical retelling that’s an exotic fusion of east and west. The story is about a boy a boy raised in the jungle by wise and wonderful wildlife.
The production features 10 professional ballet dancers and 30 young artists in apprenticeships. Striking masks and headpieces designed by Tentacle Studios, whose clients include Lady Gaga, Kesha and the Royal Ballet.
This is the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater is Monmouth County’s newest, and only, professional ballet company.
“The Jungle Book” is the company’s first performance of the 2019 season.
Performances are Feb. 2 and 9 at 8 p.m., Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 1 p.m and 5 p.m. at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Rd., Deal.
“We’re thrilled to announce the first in our upcoming series of exciting, fun dance events,” Chajnik said. “‘The Jungle Book’ is not your run-of-the-mill ballet. It’s an original dance-musical that’s an exotic fusion of east and west in terms of music, culture and dance.”
“The Jungle Book” is a wholly-immersive experience that incorporates lighting and modern projection technology with costumes and headpieces designed by world-famous artists, with an ensemble of live musicians, and a distinguished troupe of professional dancers.
“This relatively new dance genre complements and builds upon the Axelrod’s outstanding reputation for musical theater. The story and the emotional content are relayed through projections, percussion and various dance forms, thus creating an integrated entertainment experience,” Chajnik said.
The ballet will include sets designed by Fred Sorrentino, lighting by Erik Herskowitz, properties by Susan Bloir, costumes by José Solis, and masks and headpieces designed by Tentacle Studios, whose clients include Lady Gaga, Kesha, and the Royal Ballet.
For more information call the box office at (732) 531-9106 ext. 14.
Ticket prices for “The Jungle Book” are: Premium Adult $54; Regular Adult $48; Premium Senior $46; Regular Senior $40; Students $26. Group, senior and student discounts are available.
