Local Experts Help Bring "The Jungle Book" to Life in Briarcliff

Locals with expertise in the arts are helping to make this weekend's production of The Jungle Book at Todd Elementary School a smashing success.

"The entire community lends their talents to the building of the show," said Pushkin Players volunteer Kristy Lynch in an email to Patch. "All of these incredible talents were mined right here in our town, and everyone has come together to help the students create something that they can be proud of for years to come."

Resident Nancy Beard is co-directing the Pushkin Players production along with Briarcliff staffer Wilma Messenger.

Beard is an experienced costume designer who attended New York University's costume design masters program, according to Lynch.*

Also involved in the set design are local artists and parents Joanne Orce and Agi Konstantinavicius.

"Rajka Hardy, another cast parent who has a background in fashion helped cut the fabric for the costumes," Lynch added. "Beard's mother, Mary Jane Florent, has been sewing tutus and sarongs for weeks. Fourth grade teaching assistant Allison Klein signed on as technical director, and local father Peter Tierney is volunteering for the second year in a row to run the sound system. Additionally, professional videographer Jenny Wallack, a member of the BFPA, will create a video of the show for the cast and crew."

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At this weeken's shows, volunteers from the Todd Community Outreach Committee wil continue collecting dog and cat food and toys; as well as be hosting a bake sale to benefit the SPCA of Westchester.

After a few months of rehearsals, more than 50 fifth graders are gearing up for tonight's 7 p.m. curtain call at Todd, Lynch said.

"The students are excited for all of their hard work to pay off," Lynch said, "and can't wait to show Briarcliff all about 'The Bare Necessities!'"

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Performances of "The Jungle Book" are slated for tonight at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Pushkin Players is a theater troupe run by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District with support from the Briarcliff Friends of the Performing Arts.

Editor's Note: This article previously stated Nancy Beard completed her master's at NYU. It has been updated. We regret the error.