Billie Krishawn as Judy, Elan Zafir as the Guide and Ryan Carlo as Peter. Photo by Sarah Straub
JUMANJI
June 17 – August 28, 2016
Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg
Adapted by Sandra Eskin & Michael J. Bobbitt
Directed by Serge Seiden
Ages 4 and up
On a dull day, Judy and Peter find a mysterious old board game. One live lion, an erupting volcano, and some destructive monkeys later, the children are plunged into an experience they’ll never forget. Will they ever finish this mysterious magic game and claim Jumanji?!
Note: This show features strobe lights, and wind, water, and rumble effects. It is approximately 60 minutes long and late seating may not be guaranteed. Please plan accordingly.
My youngest son, 8, his good friend and I went to see JUMANJI last Sunday, and it was a true “4D” experience. An adaptation of the book (not the movie, in case your kids saw the Robin Williams comedy), the play follows squabbling siblings Judy (Billie Krishawn) and Peter (Ryan Carlo) on an afternoon they’re left in their new home while their parents attend a classical music concert. Peter finds a dusty board game in the closet, and the brother and sister proceed to play the unusual game.
As animals begin to come to life and a mysterious guide (Elan Zafir) enters the scene, the kids must figure out how to survive the onslaught of obstacles (and predators) in order to finish the game (by reaching the magical lost land of Jumanji on the board). The kids especially loved when the tsunami hit and water started sprinkling on the audience (I got quite wet where I was sitting) and when they were underwater, and there were bubbles to pop.
The cast did a great job keeping the kids engaged, and it was particularly impressive when the actors playing the parents and the guide came out as puppeteers to handle the python, monkeys, shark, and other animals that pop up during the production. The set is a believable living room for a faily that has recently moved in (stacked boxes surround the sofa), and it’s not overly distracting for kids who get easily overwhelmed with too much stimuli.
Overall, this was an entertaining and memorable 60-minute production, and Glen Echo is such a wonderful park to visit, there’s plenty to do afterward, like hit up the carousel, get a snack at Praline, visit the potter’s or glassblower’s studios or simply enjoy the playground.
Tickets are $19.50 (plus convenience fee). Open seating. Buy your tickets now.
IMPORTANT DATES
American Sign Language Performance – July 9th at 2pm
Sensory/Autism Friendly Performance- August 20th at 2pm
Sundays
July 10, 17, 24, 31: 11am, 2pm, & 4:30pm
August 7, 14, 21, 28: 11am, 2pm, & 4:30pm
Mondays
July 11, 18, 25: 10:30am
August 1, 15: 10:30am & 12:30pm
August 8, 22: 10:30am
Fridays
July 15: 7pm
August 12: 7pm
Saturdays
July 9, 16, 23, 30: 11am, 2pm, & 4:30pm
August 6, 13, 20, 27: 11am, 2pm, & 4:30pm
Disclosure: I was given complimentary review tickets and took my 8-year-old son and his friend to the show. No compensation was given in connection for this review.
