By Katherine Newman
The Old Barn Community Theatre in Collinston transports its audience to the jungles of West Africa with its production of Tarzan. This stage musical is based on the Disney film was adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, Tarzan of the Apes. In the stage version’s book by David Henry Hwang, an infant and his parents are washed ashore after a shipwreck. The baby becomes orphaned after a panther kills his parents and is saved by a grieving gorilla, Kala (Mary Gardner). She takes the human baby back to their tribe, names him Tarzan, and raises him up as her own despite the objections of her mate, Kerchak (Marvin Hull). The story follows Tarzan’s life as he is raised by gorillas, meets a human girl and her entourage, and learns what human love is. Unfortunately, the humans are not all interested in merely studying the flora and fauna, and trouble ensues.
Upon entering The Old Barn, however, audiences have no trouble believing they are in the jungle. The theater in the round stage (audience on all four sides) and its surroundings are bedecked with appropriate green, jungle flora growing up and around the pillars and stairs. Once the show begins and the jungle suddenly comes alive, animal characters either jump and leap across the stage or swing from side to side on the hanging vines. This really starts the show with a bang.
With a slightly different take on the
production, a quartet of narrators (Kili
Hill, Shannon Hansen, James Prasek, and James Israelsen) lead the production by lending their rich voices
to most of Phil Collins’ familiar pop/rock
driven songs. Hansen,
in particular, impresses with her clear vocals and presence. While this is different from other stage
versions of Tarzan,
the narrators bring something new to the show and certainly helped bring depth
to the songs.
The lead characters of Tarzan and Jane, played by married duo Matt Jeppesen and Devery Jeppesen, have a natural chemistry with each other that plays out well during the production. Their baby Mollie Jeppesen even makes a surprise appearance, though you will have to see the production to find out how.
Two particular actors steal the show, even though they do not make an appearance until Act II. Jay Greene (Professor Porter) has such a genuine and endearing personality that you can’t help but fall in love with his character. Micah Combs, who plays the role of Clayton, is both villain and unintentional comic relief. It’s unfortunate we do not see them onstage more often, but they are both thoroughly enjoyable to watch as the show draws to a close.
Tarzan is The Old Barn’s 100th production. Located on the scenic bank of the Bear River, this small theater company (which is actually in an old barn), brings a different type of theater going experience to the valley. The small, black box like theater atmosphere allows you to become more submerged in the story and action. If you have a chance, make sure to drive the 20 minutes from Logan to visit this gem of a theater. Tarzan sets the stage for a fun night out and is a great value to boot.
The Old Barn Community Theatre presents Tarzan with book by David Henry Hwang and songs by Phil Collins
Old Barn Community Theatre, 3605 Bigler Rd, Collinston, UT 84306
March 8-30, Fridays, Saturdays and Monday, 7:30 PM, Saturday matinees 2:30 PM
Tickets: $9 for Adults, $8 for Children, Seniors, and Military
Contact: 435-458-BARN
Old Barn Theatre Company Facebook Page
Tarzan Facebook Event
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