Young Actors’ Theatre, a California not-for-profit, announces

8 performance dates of JUNGLE BOOK to entertain East County families

SAN DIEGO, CA, Sept 27, 2012 – Under the direction of mother-daughter team and leaders of the jungle, Michelle and Chelsea Mullen, more than 25 local East County youth with the Young Actors’ Theater (YAT) will bring Mowgli, Baloo, Shere Khan and all the jungle friends to life in the intimate setting of ENCORE! Theater located in Spring Valley.

YAT’s Jungle Book is a family-friendly ensemble featuring favorites like I Wan’na be Like You, The Bare Necessities, Colonel Hathi’s March, and more. Director Michelle Mullen and Choreographer Chelsea Mullen, a Junior at Steele Canyon High School, have long been involved with Young Actors’ Theatre and are thrilled to be able to stage this production together. At age 11, Chelsea played Bagheera in the original YAT staging of Jungle Book in 2007.

Under the direction of Music Director, Beatriz Corral, a 2011 graduate of Chula Vista High School and a Music Major at San Diego State University, the students have quickly become adept at singing these popular songs which are accompanied by original dance routines. Director Mullen commented, “It is such a pleasure to have the opportunity to work both with my daughter Chelsea and Beatriz, and also with this talented young cast to produce this show. The cast has been working very hard and the show is going to be a real treat for audiences to see.”

Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s stories first published 1893-94, Jungle Book is a story about Mowgli, a boy who has been raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. When the wolves hear that the fierce tiger, Shere Kahn, is nearby, they decide to send Mowgli to a local "man tribe.” On his way to the village, Mowgli meets many animal characters in this musical tale including Baloo, Kaa, King Louie, Bagheera, vultures, elephants, monkeys, and more. This cast of jungle friends represents more than 10 San Diego county schools.

Jungle Book will be presented at ENCORE! Theatre located at 9620 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977 on Oct. 19, 20, 26, 27 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for students and seniors (by calling the box office) and $12 for adults for advance purchase and $15 at the door.

For tickets please visit www.yatsandiego.org or call 619-670-1267.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Spring Valley, California, Young Actors’ Theatre is a non-profit organization providing life-changing theatrical experiences and training to youths of all ages in a positive and supportive environment. Lead by Jean M. Isaac, Young Actors’ Theatre offers year-round classes and productions for children ages 2nd grad through College, and its educational outreach initiatives bring drama workshops, residencies and teacher training to schools and community groups throughout San Diego. Young Actors’ Theatre has received numerous honors including the Playbill® “Billy” and a variety of National Youth Theatre Awards.