The Theatre Department introduced a spirited adaptation of the story Tarzan. A classic that is renowned by many, as well as being famed for its concepts. The musical was integrated to express the adventurous tale through song rather than words. From the audience, the experience was nothing far from vibrant and at times immersive.
From February 13-15, the crew performed the musical every night with passion, nonetheless. Though it didn’t just begin on stage, the work was put in far before this, creating the setup and its scenery. Weeks prior, stagecraft classes spent time creating the sets, painting, and building every piece. While actors practiced their lines endlessly, the directors calculated every step and movement.
Given the installments of the silks, acting as vines which hung from the above, they were able to swing to and from either side of the stage. It took more individual strength to swing, because the vines offered no attachment if not for holding on. Joshua Khan said, “Swinging around on silks has always been a dream of mine, so getting to use them for this show was amazing.”
The Broadway musical is taken from the Disney movie, which is based on David Henry Hwang’s book, including songs by Phil Collins. It first premiered on May 10, 2006. All of the actors were cast with the same names from the Disney movie. Tarzan was played by Joshua Khan, senior, and this was his eighth production with the school.
He most enjoyed performing the song “Everything That I Am.” Joshua says, “I’ve never done a role as a physical as Tarzan; working with the vines was of course new, but I also had to figure out a completely different way to hold myself. I literally have callouses on my knuckles now, so I’d say it was a pretty transformative character.”
Jane Porter, played by, senior, Peyton Watts. This was her sixth production with the school, says, “The thing I already miss the most is being able to step into and play a new character”. Peyton’s favorite song to perform was “Waiting for This Moment.”
Peyton and Joshua took on a whole new responsibility in this production, as they created all the choreography, whether they were in it or not.
Joshua commented, “For this show, Peyton Watts and I made the choreography. We were also Jane and Tarzan, so juggling those two responsibilities was a learning process for sure. Many a song was spent with us running back and forth between teaching and being in the dances, but in the end, it was really amazing getting to perform in songs that we helped create.”
Young Tarzan was played by senior Gia Jimenez. The musical was her third production with the school. Her favorite song to perform was “I Need to Know.”
Kerchak, played by Finn Townsend, a sophomore, Tarzan was his third production. Finn reflected that his favorite song to perform was “No Other Way.”
Kala was played by senior Anniston Hancy; Tarzan was her fifth and final show with the school. She enjoyed performing “As Sure as the Sun Turns to Moon” most.
Violet Sandifer, a junior, played the leopard. Her acting in Tarzan made her fourth production, as she played one of the show’s antagonists in the beginning. Violet’s favorite song to perform was “Leopard Trap.” She comments, “I’ll miss seeing everyone all the time. After spending so much time together, it’s hard to leave.”
Throughout this whole musical, the energy coming off the stage was tangible.
It was plain to see that countless efforts were put into this production. Whether this show was noted as a final show or a first, it was a noteworthy piece to commence this year.