By Jennifer Mustoe
Disney’s Tarzan the Musical at Orem‘s SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre shines brightly onstage, and in my little girl’s eyes. I rarely personalize a review, but this time I’m going to. Disclaimer: this live production is based on Disney‘s movie and there are spoilers.
When we arrived, the out of this world set designed by Shawn Herrera bedazzled us: me, my daughter-in-law Hannah Mustoe, and my little four-year-old Lucy. Hannah had never been to the SCERA or seen an outdoor production. Lucy has never even been to a movie theater, so this sumptuous set with its multi-layered jungle scene in real life with a real working waterfall already made her more than excited. But it gets better.
Sound (Chase Elison) and Lighting (Elizabeth Griffiths) is often overlooked by audience members, except when it fails, which it didn’t and never does at a SCERA show. It was fun to tell Lucy about these essential pieces to this production and show her the speakers and the row of lights that enhance the experience.
The first scene “Two Worlds” has Elisha Garret with her strong, lovely voice narrating. We get our first look at costumes by Kelly Seaver–an inventive blending of strands on black, with colors (pink, green, yellow, purple, pink, and so forth) that keep the already vibrant set and the apes alive with fun, color, and movement. The ensemble enters as apes cavorting, and characters holding amazing gigantic flowers that sparkled, with a few birds that flapped their wings. A huge nod to props designer Christy Bowman. It is a spectacle.
And in fact, the ensemble contributes marvelously to Tarzan, with their gorilla-like walking, and their interacting onstage in small groups. They are never still, but not distracting. This is one of the many features that proves director Chase Ramsey‘s excellent attention to detail, helping actors create their particular characters, from leads to ensemble. Because I’ve been an ensemble member many times in community theater productions, I believe that the quality of the entire piece can be shown in the ensemble. Are they unique? Are they watching the action with the principals (a huge no-no)? Tarzan’s family group is a family–no doubt.
“You’ll Be in My Heart” had Hannah, a new mother, and I, a recent “mother” to our great-granddaughter Lucy, pretty emotional. Coco Galli King as Kala, Tarzan’s adoptive mother, is as tender as could be. If anything, Tarzan is a story about mothers and fathers as much as it is about a man in a jungle, loving his family but knowing he is and always will be different. In the opening scene, the sad end to Tarzan’s human parents, Mother (Hailey Bennet Sundwall–who plays Jane in alternate productions) and Father (Christian Wawro) by Leopard Eliza Dunn (who’s great!) and then Kala’s finding, claiming, and arguing with mate Kerchak (Jeff Sundwall) kept us quietly weeping through the whole number. J. Sundwall is a commanding leader of the gorilla family–an intimidating portrayal of a loving mate who wants to please Kala but also protect his family group. Soloist Jordan Millet also narrates with a strong, beautiful voice, often harmonizing with spot on singing.
We wondered if Jude Peter Ramsey, who plays Young Tarzan, was intimidated by the large audience, but he is a champ, singing several solos, playing with Young Terk (Debany Wilson) like two rambunctious kiddos.
Act One has many numbers that had our little, Lucy, out of her seat dancing. Choreography by Janessa Ramsey inspired Lucy’s love of dance and soon, our little was moving around like a gorilla. Fortunately, we were seated such that she could really move with excitement and joy. Disney’s Tarzan helped her fall in love with musicals, with their spectacle, sights and sounds that delight and enthrall. It was a perfect choice to introduce her to this wonderful medium. About seating–SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre has lots of options. Seating in the front, areas where you can bring your own chairs, and a huge hill to spread out blankets and watch the show. If you have little dancers, go for the blanket option. And anyone can bring dinner or snacks, but no coolers or glass containers.
We meet grown up Tarzan (Brian Smith) as he swings in on his vine and does a back flip. Clichéd thought it is, the crowd went wild–which is also a pun(!) Hannah remarked, “It seems as if Smith was born to play this role,” and he, in fact, is reprising the role. He is literally everything every audience member, and cast and crew I’m sure, would want in the lead. He sings, he dances, he cavorts–and is so believable as an ape man–not ape nor man. His relationship with Terk (Keely Conrad) makes us believe they’ve been friends forever. Conrad, with her swagger and inventive gorilla moves, charms us all.
A nod (another pun) to wig designer by Deborah Bowman. Young and adult Tarzan look fantastic.
At the end of Act One, we meet Jane, wondrously crafted by Chloe McLean. McClean is lovely as the nerdy, overly chatty Jane. I noticed quickly that though Jane prattles constantly, we understood every word. This alone shows this talented actress’s excellence. So often, the faster an actor speaks, the less we can understand it. Her sweet voice and complete embracing the role is a delight. And her first meeting with Tarzan is nothing short of romantic and heartwarming and funny. Don’t we want all sweethearts to have this tender meet cute?
I have never written about intermission before, but here’s what goes on once the kiddos can get out of their seats or off their blankets. It is delightful pandemonium. The wonderful SCERA volunteers keep these excited children in check, but we saw many games of tag, kids just streaming up and down the hill (though rolling down the hill is not allowed, and this is enforced by staff as well as many signs stating this.) it was wild. (There I go again with a pun.)
Act Two brings the villain Clayton, played forcefully by Bronson Dameron. One of the funniest bits in the show is when Clayton, a tall man, stands toe to toe with Tarzan. Dameron is tall. Smith is taller. I noticed Smith hunching slightly before this bit and his stretching to his full height is hilarious. Dameron swaggers and sneers and we hate him. Never without a gun in his hand, he is the quintessential jerk. One of my favorite scenes is the battle of words between Clayton and Jane. Clayton may be tall and mean and holding a rifle, but Jane is plucky and outspoken. Her father, Professor Porter, played by Mike Ramsey, steps in, but Jane already has it taken care of. No worries.
The rest of Act Two is marvelous, and the apes trashing the camp is fun and silly. Terk’s jealousy is touching, Kerchek’s death agonizing (spoiler), and the final realization that Tarzan and Jane will stay together (spoiler), while expected, still feels like a huge relief.
Do not leave the theater before meeting the cast. All the actors come back onstage and are thrilled to have photos taken with you and yours. Smith was especially darling and truly kind to everyone, and the kids who talked to him were giddily star stuck. (Okay, maybe Hannah and I were, too, How often does one meet an ape man, amiright?) SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre productions have won many awards for their fine quality and family friendly choices they bring to the community. Don’t delay in seeing Disney’s Tarzan the Musical. It is a delight your kids, your parents, and your grandparents will enjoy. There’s something for everyone in this show.
An interview with Lucy: https://www.facebook.com/567664894/videos/pcb.10158487040919895/10158487038409895
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre presents Disney’s Tarzan, book by David Henry Hwang, Music and lyrics by Phil Collins.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, 600 S 400 E, Orem, UT 84058
June 4-19, 2021 8:00 PM, doors open at 7:00 PM dark Wednesday and Sunday
Tickets: $10-$20
Contact: 801-225-2787
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre Facebook Page
Disney’s Tarzan the Musical Facebook Event Page
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