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The man, the ape, the legend: Tarzan, the Musical

The man, the ape, the legend: Tarzan, the Musical

The Arvada Center has once again set the stage for a swinging good time, but this time they brought jungle fever too. Due to its high popularity from audiences in the Arvada Center’s “Patron’s Picks,” “Tarzan the Stage Musical” was chosen to be a part of their 2013-2014 season.

The musical, based off the popular Disney film from 1999, debuted in 2006 and featured all of Phil Collin’s original songs from the film such as the Oscar winning song “You’ll Be in My Heart” and the fun loving “Trashing the Camp.” It also contains nine new songs written by Phil as well. Although some of the new songs don’t fit in quite as well with the originals, the theme of love as a driving forceis still very clear.

What is most enjoyable about the musical is that, although a majority of the production is geared toward a young audience, there is subtle adult humor as well to keep adults laughing too. Not to mention that there’s a shirtless man swinging from one side of the stage to the other.

Actors like Brian Ogilvie (Tarzan), Shannan Steele (Kala), and Laurence A. Curry (Kerchak) as well as much of the other ape characters and ensemble, left no stone unturned in their portrayal of jungle animals. The actors not only made the sounds of the animals, but used their bodies to create a style of movement that made their “monkeyness” all the more real.

The choreography, put together by Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck (she additionally plays the infamous Leopard), also pays close attention to animal like movement. Kitty added flair and action to dances with jumps, flips, and other acrobatics that are sure to keep your eyes on the performers. Although it would occasionally take a while for actors to unlock themselves from the vines on stage, it was a really cool tie in to their set and to the stage direction to have multiple people swinging or hanging upside down from the stage.

Some of the more impressive vocal performances came from actress Jennifer Lorae (Jane) and Kaden Hinkle (one of the actors playing Young Tarzan). Kaden showed talent beyond his years and Jennifer brought both warmth and humor to the part of Jane. The chemistry in her scenes with Brian was brilliant.

So pack up and go on a short jungle expedition to the Arvada Center (which was decorated with jungle themed lights for the occasion). At the very least it will leave you wishing that swinging from trees was an acceptable from of transportation.

Tarzan” is playing until August 3 at the Arvada Center.

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