Before going to see Jumanji at Adventure Theatre, I got a little inside info from my contact there that “the show is probably the funniest we have ever had in my 6 years here.” Now, that’s a rather lofty statement to make about a production. Combine that with press materials describing a “4-D jungle experience for its patrons,” and my expectations for great, rollicking entertainment were pretty high.
Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, Jumanji tells the story of Judy and Peter, a sister and brother who find a mysterious old board game while their parents are out. They decide to play it, then adventure — and some wild magic — ensue, transforming their living room into a world beyond their imaginations and sending them on a incredible journey to claim Jumanji. (Many parents, and maybe even some of your kids, have seen the 90’s movie version starring Robin Williams.)
The jungle, a monsoon, an erupting volcano, monkeys, lions, and a giant snake are all part of the show, a feat that might seem impossible to pull off on the cozy Adventure Theatre stage. But the creative execution, featuring a superb cast, brilliant puppetry, and fun elements that surprise and engage the audience bring the story to life with excitement and humor for both children and adults.
Ryan Dalusung and Billie Krishawn are fantastic as Peter and Judy, nailing the brother/sister dynamic with typical sibling quibbles and silly jabs at each other. (Sasha actually whispered to me at one point, “That’s like me and Owen!”) But the character who had me actually LOL-ing was The Guide. Played by Elan Zafir, he’s like an awkward Indiana Jones meets J. Peterman from Seinfeld — in the most hilarious way possible.
Expectations, met! And I’m pretty certain yours and your kids’ will be, too.
Jumanji is running at Adventure Theatre through August 28, with performances on most Saturdays and Sundays at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm, and on Mondays at 10:30am. Tickets are $19.50, and you can get 15% off until for any date if you purchase by July 15, just use the code KFDC at checkout. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Giveaway: For a chance to win a Famly 4-Pack of tickets to see Jumanji at Adventure Theatre, simply leave let me know the date you’d like to see the show in the comments. To be eligible you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook and subscribe to the KFDC blog (see sign-up near the top left). This giveaway will run through Sunday, July 3, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!
* Congrats to KFDC reader Kristi C., winner of the giveaway!
August 23 or 24 would be ideal!
july 31 2pm would be lovely thanks for the chance
Any Sunday in July would be great! Preferably the 11am or 4pm show.
Loved the movie as a kid. Thanks!!
We’d love to go July 9 at 2 pm
Aug 6 th or 7th Thank you.
Tickets for Sat 2 or 4pm for any Saturday July 16 – August 28 or anytime on Sunday for those weekends as well!
Would love July 9 11am, thanks!!
Sunday July 17– 11 am! Thanks!
I’d like to see it on July 30. Thanks!
My children have been watching the original movie for MONTHS now! They’d love to see a live showing of this awesome movie. We’re available to attend any 2 or 4pm on the following dates: July 10, July 16, July 17, July 24, July 30, July 31, August 20,August 27, and August 28
We would love to see it Saturday at 2pm!
Would love to see the show! Saturday 4pm show would work well in late July.
August 20th 4pm! Love, love, love your site. Just moved to DC and we are so appreciative of all your hard work in compiling these adventures.
July 17, please!
We would love to see this any Sunday at 2 or 4pm!
OMG, I would LOVE to win these tickets! July 11th would be GREAT!
Thanks so much!
July 23 11:00AM Please
July 9th or 10th
The 4:30 show on Aug. 7!
Love your blog! Thanks for this giveaway. We’d love to see the show on Aug 7 at 4:30.
We would love to see the show on July 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15. Thanks.
I just realized the show is for weekends and Monday’s. Oops :). We are available for any Monday show. Thanks so much!
Monday July 11 @ 10:30.
Thank you!
Thanks for the review. This looks like so much fun! July 9,16,17,18 or the last weekend in August.
Any Monday morning in July would be great!!
Any weekend in July or August 🙂
Would love it for Monday August 22nd!
July 30th! Sounds like a fun show; my kids loved the movie. 🙂
July 24th at 4:30, or 2pm would be amazing! The movie is a favorite…thank you!
We’d love to go July 9th!!
Would love to take my girls any day next week.
We would like to see the show. Thanks!
A Sunday would be great – July 31st, August 7th or August 14th. Thanks so much!
Love your blog! We would love to see the show on either July 30 or 31 or Aug 6 or 7 at 4pm. Thank you!
Aug 20 or 21
July 3 or 10 at 2pm is best, but am flexible!
Any Saturday or Sunday in July would be great! 🙂
Hi! Just wondering if you picked a winner yet? I’m still hoping I won!
Hi Rebecca – Yes, a winner was picked last week. But you can get 15% off tickets for any date if you purchase by July 15, just use the code KFDC at checkout.