By Keolanani Kinghorn
Josh Strickland opened as the first Tarzan on Broadway 17 years ago, and from May 20-October 21, 2023 you can watch him reprise his role at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in a standout performance. Strickland and counterpart Jane (Ashley Moniz) shine in this production and you mustn’t miss it. Disney’s animated musical Tarzan based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’s classic story Tarzan of the Apes features heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. This high-flying adventure features hit songs like the Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart”, “Son of Man”, and “Two Worlds” making Tarzan, directed by Scott S. Anderson, an unforgettable experience at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre.
Picture this: Drums beating, lights flashing, fog filling the air, and then the iconic tune of Collins’ “Two Worlds” begins. The stage divides and behind you see the natural red rock of Utah exposed with waterfalls grow in size. Before you know it, a young couple with their infant make their way safely across the stage to shore on the other side of the stage. That, my friends, is how Tuacahn’s Tarzan starts and let me tell you, I did not see it coming. In fact, if you plan on buying tickets in the first three rows, be prepared to have your personal belongings get wet. But this isn’t all you’ll enjoy. This show is jam-packed with genuine emotion, humor, and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is a spider almost as enormous as the stage that literally wraps its hairy arms around Jane. Thanks to music and orchestra director Daniel Mollett, The spectacular vocals and harmonies are thrilling. And of course, lots of flying and swinging action from not only Tarzan. Watch your head, because one gorilla hangs upside down as the troop flies directly above you. Butterflies and a moth flitter beautifully. And even Jane swings directly above the audience.
In this beloved story, young orphan Tarzan (Greyson Nielson) is found by ape mother Kala (Beatriz Melo) on the shores of West Africa. Kala has recently lost her infant and immediately adopts the squalling human baby. Apart from striving for acceptance from Kerchak his ape father (James Channing), Young Tarzan’s life is mostly fun and games with his best friend Turk (Rendell Debose). A human expedition finds its way into his troop’s territory, bringing danger (hunters) and delight in the form of the lovely and slightly goofy Jane. Tarzan, now grown, encounters the beautiful Jane and struggles to navigate his emotions as he finds his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts. Falling in love with Jane, Tarzan is torn between embracing civilization and staying with his gorilla family, which becomes threatened by the ruthless hunter Clayton (Sean Thompson).
For me, the most impressive aspect of the show was Strickland’s ape-like movements and mannerisms that never falter throughout the show. I appreciated how thoughtful and nuanced he and director Anderson collaborated to create such a tender and fearless ape man as Tarzan transitions from gorilla to man. When Strickland sings “Strangers Like Me” and “Two Worlds”, it is immediately apparent why he is a Broadway star: the pop quality in his voice is incredible and his range is just so impressive. I also loved his stunning duets with Moniz and Melo.
The interactions between Strickland’s Tarzan and Moniz’s Jane felt very genuine. I loved that they do not shy away from rough-housing. At one point, Strickland pushes Jane over and it took me by surprise, but it also felt natural and rather touching, honestly. The transition from a caring gorilla who loves his family to a man who will grow to love this human is heart-rending in its beauty and tenderness. He perfectly encapsulates the physicality of a man raised by apes, without being too animalistic.
Moniz is featured in “Waiting For This Moment,” a quirky solo where Jane explores the island showing off her nerdy side, and “For the First Time,” a love duet between Tarzan and Jane. These two songs will be unfamiliar to those who only know the movie version of Tarzan, but I enjoyed them because we get to understand Jane and her motivation as she sings. Jane is a demanding character both emotionally and physically. Moniz embraces Jane as an awkward bookworm, a daughter mourning the absence of her father, and an eventual love interest for Tarzan. Moniz is a wonderful actress and singer who has a wide range and makes Jane believable and likable.
My heart broke when Melo as Kala screams with agony at the loss of her infant ape. In an effective yet devastating plot point, the same leopard that killed Tarzan’s parents takes Kala’s baby. At this moment the lights shift, and softened rays shine down on Kala (lighting design by Paul Black) as she mourns. It is beautiful and heartbreaking. Melo’s portrayal of Kala’s sweet maternal instinct and her grief resonated with me. It’s hard to be a mom sometimes. Shout out to Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer Matthew Reeves Oliver for Kala’s purple wig and makeup–it is stunning. Melo’s deep rich alto voice hits just right for “You’ll Be in My Heart”. Her duet with Strickland at the end of the show, “Everything That I Am”, instantly became a new favorite for me. I immediately downloaded it and have listened to it over and over (and over).
Channing’s Kerchak is a perfect choice for the strong leader who gradually reveals his softer side. Channing’s gorgeous baritone adds to his dual character, soft yet strong. His duet with Kala, “Sure As Sun Turns To Moon” is another favorite for me. In this song, Kala observes Kerchak playing with the young apes, and we glimpse the couple’s love for each other through their playful banter. One of my favorite songs from both the movie and musical is “Trashin’ the Camp,” which features Debose’s gorgeous pipes as Turk shows what a rabble rouser/stinker she is. This song also showcases Mara Newbery Greer’s lively, clever choreography. The apes completely disassemble and destroy the human camp. By the end of the song, broken plates are scattered across the stage, bits of the tent are everywhere, and nothing is left standing.
Projection design by Brad Peterson is a huge part of this production and gives color and depth as the set and jungle come to life. But we audience members feel like we too may be swinging through the air with Tarzan. The luxurious costumes, coordinated by Bradley Lock are from Jefferson Performing Arts Society in Metairie, Louisiana, designed and built by Emily Brauniger, with additional designs by Lock.
Tuacahn’s Tarzan impressed me as a thrilling and tech-savvy production with incredible vocals and live orchestration. I was very pleased with this production, even star struck at moments, by the fireworks and when the stage floods. But it was the emotionally complex elements of this performance by Strickland, Moniz, Melo, Channing, and Debose that impressed me the most, so much so that I would come back and see it again.
A review by Front Row Reviewers.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents Tarzan. Book based on Disney’s animated musical adventure Tarzan featuring music by Phil Collins and Edgar Rice Burroughs’s classic story of Tarzan of the Apes, and a book by David Henry Hwang.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738
Box Office: 435-652- 3300 or 800-746-9882
Office Hours: On Season: Open Mon-Sat. 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Off Season: Mon-Sat. 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Parking: Free self-parking or paid valet parking, (Wheelchair Accessible)
May 20-October 21, 2023, 8:45 PM
Tickets start at $30.00, Ages 3+ Reserved Seating, Showtimes vary.
*Overflow seats for this show have an obstructed view
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Tarzan the Musical- Tuacahn
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Note: Because this is an outdoor theater I suggest coming prepared with a poncho or light jacket in case of inclement weather and be aware that the start time may be delayed by rain or other reasons.
Photos by Ben Braten
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