Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was a bit of a zoo Sunday morning as tigers, elephants, monkeys and bears along with other natives of the jungle invaded the sanctuary. 

Following worship service there was a stage performance of song and dance numbers from Disney’s “The Jungle Book” in the church fellowship hall.

In collaboration with The Dallas Summer Musical Academy (DSMA) Central hosted a one-week summer camp free to Dallas kids this past week. 

Under the direction of Kevin Cook, Director of Education of the DSMA and Production Stage Manager, Ty Lawrence, the lucky group of kids was taught theater arts by Director, Lindsey Crawford: Choreographer, Kristina Kurkenaer-Hart and Music Director, Chris Wilson. 

The professional group of teachers along with the talented kids, ranging in ages 5through 12, did a phenomenal job creating a top-notch performance in only one week.  In song and dance selections from “The Jungle Book,” they told the story of Mowgli, a small boy who had been abandoned in the jungle and the animals who befriended him.

Central, the oldest continuously operating Protestant church in Dallas has long been a supporter of the theater.  It is home to the Westside Players, a theater company founded by the late Ed DeLatte, who also founded the Dallas Repertory Theater at North Park Mall in Dallas. 

The church fellowship hall features a fully operable stage making it a perfect venue for many productions.

Central is located at 4711 Westside Dr.  Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. All are welcome.