THE BEAST IN THE JUNGLE
Music by John Kander
Book by David Thompson
Direction and Choreography by Susan Stroman
with Maira Barriga, Teagle F. Bougere, Elizabeth Dugas, Irina Dvorovenko, Sara Esty, Peter Friedman, Leah Hofmann, Naomi Kakuk, Brittany Marcin Maschmeyer, Erin N. Moore, Clifton Samuels, Tony Yazbeck
From legendary composer John Kander (CABARET, CHICAGO), Tony Award-nominated playwright David Thompson (STEEL PIER, AND THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND), and five-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman (THE PRODUCERS, CONTACT), comes a stunningly original new work — fusing dance, drama, and music. Inspired by Henry James’ classic 1903 novella, THE BEAST IN THE JUNGLE is the story of John Marcher, a man haunted by personal demons, whose great yet unfulfilled love affair with an unforgettable woman spans decades and continents. With a waltz-inspired instrumental score, and dazzling choreography that traverses the worlds of ballet and contemporary dance, this powerful and romantic tale of love and loss reunites the remarkable creative team behind The Vineyard’s acclaimed THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, and features Tony Award nominee Tony Yazbeck (ON THE TOWN), former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Irina Dvorovenko (“The Americans”), Tony Award nominee Peter Friedman (RAGTIME), and Teagle F. Bougere (IS GOD IS).
Listen to our “Theatre Uncorked” podcast with John Kander, David Thompson, and John Kander
Watch the Beast in the Jungle “Inside Look”
TOP PHOTO: Tony Yazbeck and Irina Dvorovenko. Photo by HollenderX2.
THE BEAST IN THE JUNGLE is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.
Reviews
“EXTRAORDINARILY CREATIVE AND STUNNINGLY PORTRAYED!
Irina Dvorovenko is wonderful to watch. Tony Yazbeck is gripping.
It is glorious!”
– Barbara Schuler, Newsday
“COMPOSER JOHN KANDER HAS LOST NONE OF HIS GIFT FOR MELODIES OR HIS POWER TO ENCHANT.
Boy does this production — and Kander’s gorgeous music — have a lot to show for itself.”
– Tom Geier, The Wrap
“HOT AND CARNAL!
Tony Yazbeck, an underused treasure in American musical theater,
gets to dance his heart out in “The Beast in the Jungle.”
– The New York Times
“KANDER’S MUSIC IS SWEEPING AND BEAUTIFUL!
Tony Yazbeck is virtuosic. Irina Dvorovenko is luminous. Peter Friedman is excellent.”
– Sara Holdren, New York Magazine
“MUSIC BY KANDER IS PRETTY AND STIRRING!
Dvorovenko is light on her feet and powerful. Yazbeck reeks ease and athleticism.”
– Joe Dziemianowicz, NY Daily News
“Tony Yazbeck is a complete, romantic dancing actor, or acting dancer,
like such hallowed predecessors as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Irina Dvorovenko is exquisite.”
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times
“AN ENCHANTING, GORGEOUS NEW DANCE MUSICAL!
The sublime cast of dancers beautifully evoke this half a century spanning love story.
Don’t miss this chance to see Yazbeck and Dvorovenko up close in an intimate space like the Vineyard.”
– Elyse Sommer, CurtainUp
“STUNNING, IMAGINATIVE, AND LYRICAL!
Stroman’s eloquent choreography speaks volumes without saying a word.
All the dancers display the inventive wit, emotive force, and unsurpassed beauty that characterize the show. Stroman offers an exquisite synthesis of drama, dance, and music. It all adds up to one enthralling experience in the theater.”
– Deb Miller, DC Metro Theater Arts
“The dances are wonderful!
Stroman’s choreography is balletic and elegant.
Kander’s music is equally tender. The cast is excellent.”
– Jesse Oxfeld, New York Stage Review
“A STUNNING, WONDROUS JOURNEY!
John Kander is an endless well of musical talent that suddenly surprises with something so extraordinary that one is awe struck watching and listening to what is currently gracing the stage at the Vineyard Theatre. I cannot give enough praise to this inspired piece of theater.”
– Sandi Durell, Theater Pizzazz
“A PROFOUND TALE OF LOVE AND PASSION!
Tony Yazbeck and Irina Dvorovenko’s chemistry is magical.
Joy, pain, fear, excitement, tension and angst explode in the movement.
This is a production that pushes boundaries of traditional musical theater.”
– Joseph Verlezza, Theatre Reviews Limited