Viewing this production of Tarzan was the first time that I have been to Draper Historic Theatre and this theatre has the quaint historical feel that its name suggests. Although it is home to a traditional proscenium stage, the environment this theatre creates for you is intimate and welcoming, like visiting a friend. Going into this show I was very excited, as the Disney film by the same name is one of my favorites, and leaving the show I wasn’t disappointed. The stage musical written by David Henry Hwang is a script that is as entertaining as the movie, and the cast and crew at Draper Historic Theatre really bring it to life in this production.
The show is double cast, and while I didn’t see the other actors, Josh Jensen’s portrayal of Tarzan is wonderful. (Other cast Tarzan Grant Stowell.)The way he embodies the spirit of the character fully really brought me into the show. His connection with the other characters, such as his mother Kala (Taylor Twitchell/Bailey Loveless) and love interest Jane (Ashtyn White/Aubree Langford) is what brought me in even more. Twitchell does a beautiful job of showing the love between a mother and a son. Her singing is beautiful and while I try not to be a publicly emotional person, her rendition of “You’ll Be In My Heart” brought me to tears. An already frightening character, Alex Montour turns Kerchak into not only a scary beast but a loving father figure who wants nothing more than the safety of his family. At moments of his anger I heard gasps from the children in the audience, and by the end I really felt Kerchak became, ironically, humanized. Finally, White performs phenomenally as the lovable Jane Porter. From the moment she steps on stage her acting and singing is, as they would say in England, simply brilliant. The colorful flair of Jane Porter is brightened even more by White’s performance.
Roman Southwick (Young Tarzan) and Livee Hollis/ Bonnie Ellis (Young Terk) shine as brightly as their 
adult counterparts. Their performance of “Who Better Than Me,” showcases their talents well and is a fun song at the beginning of the show. Casey Dean‘s performance is a fun nod to the movie, as his portrayal of Mr. Porter is a wonderful reflection of Nigel Hawthorne‘s performance in the Disney film. Dale Easton‘s Clayton is a reflection as well, however he creates a depth within Clayton that cannot be seen in the film.
Director, set designer, and lighting designer, Eldon Randall creates a perfect symphony of colors and movement to bring the audience into the African jungle where Tarzan and his family live. The set is beautiful and allows for depth in the production with the use of layering and levels on stage. The many shades of green and brown are beautiful and allow for the outsider feeling when the audience first meets Jane and sees quite the color contrast. The costume design by Mae Hinton-Godfrey, who also plays Terk in one of the casts, is gorgeous and makes it easy to imagine these actors and actresses as the gorillas they are portraying.
From the opening moments of the show I was impressed with the Alayna Bria’s choreography. The youth ensemble is so energetic and fun to watch I wanted to jump on stage and spend the rest of my day with them. While the dancing was a little out of sync with the music during “Two Worlds,” their singing is great and their ability to stay in character is flawless. I couldn’t believe the talent that comes from these little actors and actresses of tomorrow. Similarly, the choreography from the adult ensemble during “Waiting for this Moment,” is lovely and mesmerizing: a great addition to an already beautiful song.
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This show is a great family show that audiences of all ages will enjoy. Just a caution, there are four gunshots in the performance that may frighten young children, but otherwise a fun wholesome family show. Tarzan at the Draper Historic Theatre only has three more performances so buy your tickets now.
Draper Historic Theatre presents Tarzan, Book by David Henry Hwang, Lyrics and Music by Phil Collins
Draper Historic Theatre, 12366 South 900 East Draper, UT 84020
June 8-9, 11, 15-16, 18, 22-23, 25, 29-30, 2018 7:00 PM, June 23 Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $7-15
Contact: 801-572-4144
Draper Historic Theatre Facebook Page
Tarzan Facebook Event
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