Tarzan the Stage Musical is an adaptation of the animated Disney film, with a book by David Henry Hwang, and music and lyrics by Phil Collins. The Disney film was first released in 1999, with the stage musical premiering on Broadway in 2006. Nearly twenty years later, there are still no plans for the original Disney production to make its way down under. Despite this, Tarzan the Stage Musical has enjoyed international success, particularly in Germany with long seasons in both Stuttgart and Hamburg.
Thankfully, independent theatre company, James Terry Collective has brought Tarzan the Stage Musical to Melbourne’s National Theatre in St Kilda. The advantage of this James Terry Collective production is that it is an entirely Australian team creating their own unique adaptation of this well known story.
I had the privilege of seeing the Disney production of Tarzan in Stuttgart, Germany, back in 2017. Tarzan was so popular in Germany that it is currently enjoying a return season this year in Stuttgart. That experience, for better or for worse, allows me the unique position of comparing the Disney production to this latest interpretation by James Terry Collective. In short, I was not disappointed. In fact, I was really impressed.
James Terry has already established his production credibility with numerous Green Room Awards for his previous productions. However, tackling a Disney production and creating your own version is a challenge on a completely different level. Assembling a team of highly talented creatives, they have managed to pull off an outstanding production, at no doubt a fraction of the Disney budget, and with limited time and resources.
Director Alister Smith has truly captured the heart of this musical. I watched this musical in Stuttgart in German language – without being able to speak German – but it still made me cry. I came away impressed at the power of a Disney musical to pull at my heartstrings and communicate beyond spoken words (much like Tarzan really!). So the ultimate test for this independent production was would it have the same impact? Yes, it did. Smith has ensured the story remains the focus of this production, which makes this an engaging show for adults and children alike.
Michael Ralph’s choreography is stunning. The original Disney production relied heavily on aerial work, and particularly on bungee cords. It was impressive, but by the end of the production felt somewhat repetitive. Ralph’s choreography is breathtaking, managing to ensure the performers remained “ape-like” throughout the show. It reminded me of the groundbreaking choreography when CATS first opened.
There were some aerial moments in the show, adding some wow factor, but not too much to distract from the story.
Under the helm of musical director Claire Healy, a band of twelve musicians bring Phil Collins wonderful score to life with expert precision. Marcello Lo Ricco’s sound design ensures every note is well balanced.
Jacob Battista’s set design immediately establishes the African jungle setting, with long strips of green fabric creating a sense of the dense jungle foliage and place of safety for the gorillas. The different heights used on the stage create a sense of being in the tree canopy. Declan O’Neill’s lighting design beautifully creates the darkness of the dense jungle, but manages to ensure the characters are still perfectly lit, establishing a sense that the darkness of the jungle is a safe place for the gorillas. This is in contrast to the brightness outside of their jungle home, where they are most vulnerable.
Jane’s discovery of new flower species is spectacularly done and the bright colours were a stunning contrast to the deep greens throughout much of the show.
Bianca Pardo’s costume design is superb. Jane’s costumes are stunning and perfect for an adventurous young woman in the time period. The gorilla costumes are very beautifully crafted from black strips of fabric, but perhaps even more gorilla-like than the original Disney production which had largely bare-chested gorillas. Pardo’s costume design provided a much more striking contrast between the heavily haired gorillas and Tarzan’s bare humanly chest. Nick Eynaud’s wig and hair design is stunning and incredibly realistic.
Ultimately, it’s the cast who bring this story to life.
Joshua Russell is superb as Tarzan. He balances the gorilla-like qualities of being raised by apes, with the curiosity and compassion of being human. Russell is vocally outstanding but it’s his acting that really establishes him as a leading man.
Emily Robinson makes her theatrical debut as Jane after graduating from VCA last year. Robinson is delightful as Jane, balancing a sense of adventure whilst still maintaining a sense of youthful innocence.
Sarah Murr is outstanding as Kala, the motherly gorilla who raised Tarzan. The tenderness of her mother’s love is balanced by the need for her partner’s need to protect his gorilla tribe from danger. Devon Braithwaite delivers a commanding performance as the Kerchak, the head of the gorilla tribe.
Daniel Lim played the role of young Tarzan on opening night, with confidence and excellence.
Trent Owers is wonderful as the playful gorilla friend, Terk. Drew Holmes is hilarious in his portrayal as Professor Porter.
Nick Eynaud, apart from designing the wigs, hair and makeup for the production, also takes to the stage as Clayton. This is perhaps the most strikingly different character portrayal to the original Disney production I saw in Stuttgart. While the original Disney production presented Clayton as the strong alpha male type, Nick Eynaud delivers a much more camp portrayal – more like a pompous, private-schooled British “schoolboy” who lacks emotional intelligence. Clayton is presented more as a pathetic villain than an evil one. And it works.
Finally, the entire ensemble need to be congratulated for their gorilla-like performances that remained consistent throughout the entire show.
James Terry Collective’s production of Tarzan the Stage Musical is a high quality and thoroughly entertaining night of theatre that will appeal to audience of all ages. With no plans for a full commercial Disney production of Tarzan anytime soon, this may be the best version of Tarzan you will see in Australia.
Tarzan the Stage Musical is now playing at the National Theatre in St Kilda until September 14th.
For more information and tickets: https://tarzanstagemusical.com.au/
