Tarzan, the Stage Musical

The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities: 7/11 – 8/3

                                    Brian Ogilvie as Tarzan

     If you’re looking for great theatre for the family this summer you can’t go wrong with The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities’ production of "Tarzan, The Stage Musical." Based upon the Disney movie, this show is perfect viewing for all ages.

      Adapted from the story “Tarzan of the Apes” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the show has music and lyrics by Phil Collins and a book by David Henry Hwang.

     Director Gavin Mayer has done a great job of continuing The Arvada Center’s reputation for excellence in musical theatre with his superb casting as well as his enlistment of the great technical artists one finds in abundance at this venue.

     Brian Ogilvie is the perfect casting for Tarzan.  Besides having an eye-popping physique, this artist acts, sings and swings (well, it’s true!) with the best of em.

                                      Brian Ogilvie as Tarzan and Jennifer Lorae as Jane

     Jennifer Lorae is a great Jane. She exudes the ebullient joie de vivre and cheery goodness required of any Disney heroine.  Her beautiful voice and stunning stage presence make one hope to see her name in many more programs in the future.

    Colin Alexander is brilliant in the role of Porter, Jane’s father.

     Local favorite Shannan Steele is most memorable in the role of Kala, the female gorilla that mothers the young Tarzan after he and his family are shipwrecked off the coast of Africa.

     Burke Walton does some great work as Clayton, the great white hunter 'heavy' of the piece.

     Kaden Hinkle’s performance as the young Tarzan is notable as well.

     The lighting design by Shannon McKinney is magnificent.   

So is the choreography by Kitty Skillman-Hilsabeck. The physically demanding role of Leopard is also given vibrant life by Skillman-Hilsabeck.

     There’s lots of fantastic acrobatic swinging on the vines that are everywhere present in scenic designer Brian Mallgrave’s primeval jungle.

     Musical Director David Nehls outdoes himself in bringing out all the best in Phil Collins’ musical composition.

     The story telling is primal and makes one feel as if he were turning the pages of one of those great classic comic books of yesteryear!

For tickets call 720-898-7200 or go online at arvadacenter.orgMarlowe's Musings