Kids rule this ‘Jungle’

Newport Elementary school’s adaptation of “Jungle Book” this weekend isn’t just a showcase for the actors: From top to bottom, it’s a student production. The students had their hands in set design, lighting, costumes and everything else that goes into a theatrical show.

The musical includes in its cast and crew about a hundred students from kindergarten through sixth grade.

“Not only are the kids singing, acting, and dancing, but this year we added behind-the-scenes classes for the children who didn’t want to be stage performers,” said Andrea Davis, one of the play’s producers, and the mother of one of the leads. Sara Lunsford, also a mother of a cast member, directed the play. She has directed three other musicals at the school.

For months after school, students used materials like paper bags and sarongs for sets and costumes, and they learned to make exotic animal costumes ranging from elephants to snakes, in a nine-week training program taught by another parent, Leslie Mais. Older students worked with musician Dannie Hofmann to assist with complex tasks like the play’s sound effects.

“I have never before seen so many parents and students coming together to create something,” Davis said. “And since our school takes kids of all ages in the play, everyone works together thus giving it a feeling of a family.”

You can see the show at 7 p.m. today, and 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Newport Elementary School, 1327 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. Tickets are $15.

— Saneyee Purandare