MONKEY BUSINESS: The Jungle Book cast, which consists of Allan A. Greenleaf students, donned their costumes at Monday afternoon's rehearsal.

The jungle will come alive next week, as performers from Allan A. Greenleaf Elementary School groove on stage to the rhythm of The Jungle Book.

Featuring students from Grades 4 through 8, the cast has been working hard on the production since January. Following the audition process, 57 students were selected to follow Mowgli on his journey through the jungle.

A choir, comprised of 60 students from Grades 1 through 3, will accompany the cast, singing three songs throughout the performance.

Putting on The Jungle Book has been a school effort, explained Junior Kindergarten teacher Jennifer Cooper, one of the musical's producers. "If you go into the staff room, you'll see the rest of the staff cutting and sewing. Those who can't sew, they cut," she said. "Everyone has really come together."

Although many of the students are busy at this time of year, juggling various sports and extra-curricular activities, everyone involved with the production has taken their roles seriously and attended all but a few rehearsals, Cooper explained.

In recent weeks, the students have gathered on a daily basis during their nutritional break in addition to the three-hour, twice weekly rehearsals after school.

"They know that these are the days they have to be here for rehearsals and they've been pretty good about it," said Cooper.

Last year, Allan A. Greenleaf put on a musical that included only older students. This year, faculty members wanted to allow all divisions of the school to participate.

Broadway Junior provided the music, script and choreography CDs for Disney's The Jungle Book to help bring the production together.

As the opening performance nears, school secretary Linda Cullen has been hard at work, sewing the majority of the costumes. At Monday afternoon's rehearsal, the main characters, including a few of the monkeys, were already suited up.

Music and art teacher Mike Dumont has also had his hands full, creating the hypnotic snake Kaa's head out of papier maché as well as transforming Shere Khan the tiger's head into a beautiful piece of art.

The cast of The Jungle Book is offering matinee performances for local schools. Students from Guy B. Brown will be the first to follow Mowgli's thrilling jungle journey.

Evening performances are scheduled for members of the community.

The jungle will come alive at 7 p.m. on May 5-7. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door on the night of the performances, or by calling the school office at (905) 690-6813.