Jungle Book Musical Returns to Haifa for Hanukkah
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The classic Israeli musical "The Jungle Book," directed by Hanoch Rosèn, is returning to Haifa for Hanukkah 2026. The production, first staged in 1996 and seen by over half a million people, features original cast members like Tuvia Tsafir and Sassi Keshet alongside new dancers and acrobats. Director Rosèn aims to blend the original charm with modern Broadway-style staging to appeal to both nostalgic parents and a new generation of children.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The musical "The Jungle Book" will be performed in Haifa during Hanukkah 2026.
- The production is directed by Hanoch Rosèn and first premiered in 1996.
- Original cast members Tuvia Tsafir and Sassi Keshet are returning for the revival.
- The show has been seen by over half a million viewers since its debut.
- The revival aims to blend the original musical's charm with modern staging.
- The goal is to appeal to both parents who saw it in the 90s and new child audiences.
The popular children's musical "The Jungle Book," originally directed by Hanoch Rosèn and first staged in 1996, is returning to Haifa for the upcoming Hanukkah holiday. The production, which has been seen by over half a million viewers throughout its history, will be presented at the city's Congress Center as part of a renewed tour. This revival aims to introduce a new generation to the story of Mowgli, the boy raised by wolves, and his animal friends.
The cast for the Haifa performances includes Tuvia Tsafir as Baloo the bear, Sassi Keshet as Bagheera the panther, Eli Danker as Shere Khan the tiger, Yossi Toledo as Kaa the snake, Avi Yaffe as Pakri the squirrel, Pini Kidron as the elephant leader, and Edi Alterman as the monkey king. Alongside the veteran actors, the musical will feature a team of dancers and acrobats, updated sets, and stage effects. The well-known songs by Miron Minster and Efraim Sidon have been given a contemporary musical arrangement by Ben Shofman, who also co-adapted the play with Rosèn.
Director Hanoch Rosèn stated that while incorporating technological and staging innovations, the goal was to preserve the spirit of the original 1996 production. He described the updated version as having a "touch of Broadway" in its scenery, aerial stunts, and soundtrack, powered by an energetic cast of dancers and acrobats complementing the beloved original cast. Rosèn explained that bringing the show to Haifa during Hanukkah is intended to make it accessible to more audiences and to reconnect parents who grew up with the musical in the 1990s with their childhood experience, creating a generational bridge for viewers.