Tarzan- Empress Theatre (an actor's perspective)
(This review is a little different, because I am reviewing the show from the perspective of an actor.)
Tarzan is a musical based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1999 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Phil Collins, and a book by David Henry Hwang. The musical follows Tarzan, who is raised by gorillas in West Africa. He meets Jane, a young English naturalist, and falls in love, unknowing that Jane's entourage plans to kill the gorillas.
Direction:
The director for this show and wig master is Cheryl Cripps Richardson. This show is her first time directing for a show and you wouldn't know it. I've worked with Cheryl on production teams before and I knew how skilled she was at what she does before I ever auditioned for her. She took everything that she saw that other directors did and didn't like, and made sure she never did those things. Cheryl values our time as actors and made sure we were called at times appropriate for what we were needed. She casted a group of actors that are kind/caring people that look out for others. Cheryl helped the cast cultivate a bond that made us close as a whole and it shows on stage. Any time an actor was having a rough moment, she ALWAYS came to us with compassion and understanding. As a result, we were able to put our whole trust and faith into her vision. This show is strong and stellar because of her.
The assistant director for this show is Beth Bruner. Beth admitted in one of our rehearsals that she didn't need to do much, because of how amazing Cheryl is at what she does. Beth did a lot of things behind the scenes, that the actors didn't get to see. She was a good guide to Cheryl in helping her create a beautiful show. I appreciate her being willing to help this production, with her years of experience.
The choreographer for this show is Dylan Panter. I've work with Dylan on many different productions, but never in this role. He is SO good at seeing everyones skill levels and making sure they feel comfortable on stage. He created some fun and challenging choreography that fit into the style of the show. While teaching the choreography he would go over it as many times as an actor needed it. He would also record videos of himself breaking down the choreography. It was very helpful to me as an unexperienced dancer to have this videos to practice to.
The music director for this show is Serene Parker. Serene is full of musical talent. She would go through each part with the actors and make sure they felt confident and strong in what they were doing. If she felt that an actor wasn't getting a section she would give them individual notes, not in front of the group.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Performances:
Tarzan is played by Tyler Rasmussen. This isn't the first time he has played Tarzan. He embodies the full character. During the show he swings from a rope from the top of the proscenium. Tyler is terrified of heights and swings off of the top without any problems. I admire how dedicated he is to the show.
Jane is played by Sophie Manzanares. Sophie is one of the nicest people around. She knows that she is talented, but doesn't brag about it. She works hard every single time I see her. Sophie is great at telling me, "You got this girl." That type of support off stage translates to onstage beautifully.
Kala is played by Ashley Bates. I have been a big fan of her since seeing her in "Between the Lines." She is a powerhouse when she sings. I am always in awe of her talent and how effortless she makes being Kala look. When she sings, "You'll Be In My Heart," you can feel love pour out of her voice.
Kerchak is played by Simi Kasala. He plays an excellent tough guy on stage, but back stage he is a goofball. I will forever have many fond memories of him from our speed read.
Terk is played by Scott Carr. We became friends back when we were in Beauty and the Beast together. Scott is an energetic ball of fun. He is also one of the most caring people around. He helped support me through some hard times I had during the show and I will forever love and appreciate him for that.
Professor Porter is played by Scott Shill. Any time I see Scott as a character at the Empress he shines on stage. He is one of the hardest workers I know. I admire how he keeps going and stays in character.
Clayton is played by Ian Bate. Ian is a wonderful person to play off of onstage. He isn't an evil person, but he oozes evil as his character. Off stage he is SO supportive and will check on others and help them. (no matter how simple the ask) Ian is one of the best scene partners around.
Young Tarzan is played by Clark Pehrson. Clark has been determined since day one to always try his best. He has created a wonderful character that breaks hearts and makes the audience want to love him.
Young Terk is played by Tyler Parkin. Whether he is off or onstage he is always full of energy. It doesn't matter who you are, he will talk to you and be your friend. He is so good at helping others feel included and inviting others that may have been left out. I enjoy playing off of Tyler on stage.
Mother is played by Averie Forchuk. Averie is a triple threat. She can sing, dance and act. I love to watch her dance, because she makes it look so fluid and beautiful.
Father is played by Zack Anderson. He is always in character on stage. His faces always draw in the audience and help tell the story. Off stage he is a delight to talk to and has wonderful stories to tell. He also checks on others and is considerate of others needs.
Snipes is played by Michael Fee. It's no secret that Michael is one of my favorite people. You wouldn't know by watching him on stage that this is his very first musical that he has been in. He has a natural talent that makes him shine on stage. During act 2 we have the exact same stage map, so we are always together. Michael is one of the easiest people to talk to and makes you feel that you are not alone. When we started the show he was more reserved and kept to himself. He is now one of the most social people around and good at making others laugh. I am grateful that this show brought this wonderful human into my life.
The Leopard is played by Gwenyth Adams. I was excited that we got to work on another production together. I have watched her grow up on stage ever since she was a little half day in the EYT program. Every show she gets better and stronger with her performances. Gweny is more talented than what she gives herself credit.
Michelle Frierson is a part of the ensemble. She is a vocal powerhouse. Michelle is a quick learner. She is willing to go out of her way and help other get ready or help people back stage. She truly is a delight to work with.
Laura Krummenacher is a part of the ensemble. Laura has been my number one supporter since the first rehearsal. She supported me through some vocal insecurities I had at the beginning. Laura is SO kind and has become a dear friend to me because of how supportive she is. Every cast deserves a Laura in it. It would make every show better.
Tony Sao is a part of the ensemble. He started as a mystery, since he was a part of a different show. When I got to see him in that show I got to see him SHINE on stage. For this production, it has been no different. He learned the choreography in half the time it took the rest of the group. His vocals are gorgeous to listen to.
Kaitlin Swensen is a part of the ensemble. I always adore every time Kaitlin and I can work together. She is one of the easiest people to talk to. Kaitlin looks out for others and makes sure you are included. She always looks strong and confident on stage. Kaitlin works her heart out on stage and as a result she adds to the performance of the show.
Sophia Cartier is a part of the ensemble. Sophia's smile can make any day brighter. She works hard on stage to create a wonderful and adorable character. Sophia helps make the ensemble a wonderful place to be.
Design:
The set was built by and props for the show were designed by our stage manager Celeste Reese. Celeste always works her guts out on every production she works on. The set truly helps immerse you into the show. There are a lot of props in the show and she made sure to get all the props to look time period appropriate. As the stage manager she is good at being both authoritative and being kind to the needs of the cast. Celeste is the back bone of the show and made it show Cheryl's vision could shine. Every production deserves an excellent stage manager like Celeste.
The costumer for the show is Candice J Jorgensen. I have always adored working with Candice. She is the current backbone of the theatre. She is good at taking a vision and building upon it. I am proud to wear the costumes she has got for our show. Everyone looks so good and cohesive on stage.
The lights are designed by David Bruner. David has put his heart and soul into designing gorgeous lights for this show. He has made sure that everyone is seen. (whether it is through moving the light or moving the actor.) Throughout the run he also gave us helpful guidance that made our final week easier.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Final Impressions:
Honestly, Tarzan wasn't my first production I auditioned for this Summer. I knew that I REALLY wanted something to do, being a teacher and having my Summer free. I saw that Cheryl was posting about auditions on Facebook. I knew that I loved working with her. I am grateful that she gave me a chance because Tarzan was EXACTLY what I needed in my life right now. This cast is so supportive of each other and all of the struggles in life that we have gone through. Tarzan is absolutely beautiful and it would be a shame if you missed this masterpiece on stage. Come meet me at the Empress and enjoy this Disney classic.
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