The trio of actors also portrays three hens (Secka is particularly hilarious as the distraught, Maisie) and three squirrels, who Jane seeks out to observe and learn from. And Cabling plays the lovable dog Rusty, Jane’s best friend (aside from her beloved stuffed chimpanzee, Jubilee, of course). Crouch, constantly chiding Jane for her ridiculous aspirations. Ludwig and Secka are the crotchety neighbors, Mr.

Video: Meet Jubilee from Me… Jane Now Playing at the Kennedy CenterĪlso in this small cast are Awa Sal Secka, Sam Ludwig, and Eymard Cabling, who each play multiple characters. She is loving and soothes Jane’s fears, when others make her doubt her goals, but is also strong and makes sure that Jane knows she must work hard for what she wants. Playing Jane’s Mum is Tracy Lynn Olivera (Helen Hayes Award winner). Weaver’s restless curiosity is exciting to watch, as she studies the animals in her neighborhood and makes interesting discoveries. The result is a fantastically entertaining musical, full of colorful characters and songs that will have you dancing in your seat.Įrin Weaver (Helen Hayes Award winner) plays the eight-year-old Jane Goodall, and her ability to embody a child’s physicality and voice patterns is incredible. Andy Mitton also wrote the music and lyrics, while Aaron Posner directed the show. McDonnell adapted his book and wrote the show with Andy Mitton and Aaron Posner. While her mother is wonderfully supportive and encourages Jane’s aspirations, other people in Jane’s life think her ideas are dangerous and try to convince her that her dreams are impossible. Based on Patrick McDonnell’s book Me…Jane, the story focuses on Jane as a child, as she explores the world around her and dreams of going to Africa.

Me…Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall is a Kennedy Center commissioned production and is currently making its world premiere in the Kennedy Center’s Family Theater. The documentary, Jane, was released just this year, with detailed accounts and footage from her expeditions. The British born naturalist is said to be the leading expert on chimpanzees, and her passion for her work has been a source of admiration and inspiration for years. The story of Jane Goodall – primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist – has been told numerous times in various media forms.

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell