Goodman books 'Jungle Book'

The planet preem from the Mary Zimmerman-helmed stage adaptation of "The Jungle Book" is probably the shows arranged for that 2012-13 season at Chicago's Goodman Theater, with new plays by Christopher Shinn, Dael Orlandersmith and Quiara Alegria Hudes also around the slate. In line with the Rudyard Kipling book along with the 1967 Disney animated pic, the musical version of "Jungle Book" will incorporate the familiar tunes composed for that film by Richard B. Sherman and Robert M. Sherman. Chicago-based Zimmerman, whose credits range from the adaptation of "Metamorphoses" that went on Broadway for any year, creates it and directs. "Jungle Book" reps the most recent Mouse House title to become licensed to outdoors parties by Disney Theatrical, inside a legit creating tactic which has produced the imminent Broadway transplants of both "Newsies" and "Peter and also the Starcatcher." Running June 21-This summer 28, 2013, show would be the final offering of year within the Goodman's two-stage venue in downtown Chi. Three new plays also are some of the world preems around the selection, beginning with a brand new solo show from Orlandersmith ("Yellowman"), "Black N Blue Boys/Damaged Males" (Sept. 29-March. 28). Helmed by Chay Yew inside a co-production with Berkeley Repetition, the show focuses on five male figures swept up in cycles of violence and abuse. Season begins with a brand new revival of Tennessee Williams' "Sweet Bird of Youth" (Sept. 15-March 21) helmed by David Cromer, another Chicago director who works frequently in Gotham. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com