By Wendy Castleman, TSD
Things are about to get a little wild in the new performing arts center at Tahoma High School. That’s because the stage is being transformed into a jungle, and student actors have been studying up on the behaviors of apes and other animals as they prepare to put on the high school drama program’s first musical in the new venue, Disney’sTarzan the Musical.
In what is sure to be one of the most exciting elements of the production, some characters will use the Performing Arts Center’s fly system to swing from “vines” while suspended.
“It’s amazing what we can do in the new space,” Director Melissa Bean said. “It’s actually been quite a challenge to direct in this new incredible space after a decade of designing shows for the TMS stage, but it’s a really cool challenge to have!”
The directors selected Disney’s Tarzan because they wanted something that was visually stunning, that made full use of the capabilities of the stage, and that was family-friendly.
Bean and Musical Director Ken Riggs both said they’re thrilled to have a true orchestra pit, and that the sound quality in the space is fantastic. Riggs said that the play includes many different percussion instruments, played by three percussionists. In the auditorium at TMS, the sound would have been overwhelming, but they are able to make it work in the new Performing Arts Center.
In addition to the main cast of THS students, the production also features younger students from Glacier Park Elementary, Rock Creek Elementary, Cedar River Elementary and Summit Trail Middle School.
The play is physically demanding for many of the actors, some of who spend a majority of the production on their hands and knees. Flying in the harnesses is also tough. Students and choreographer Indeah Harris came up with some specific workouts to help the actors prepare.
“This is a fun, family-friendly show with a remarkably talented cast,” Riggs said. “It is worth your time to come see!”
The production opens May 4, and tickets are on sale now at tahomatarzan.brownpapertickets.com. Shows are at 7 p.m. May 10, 11 and 12, as well as at 2 p.m. on May 12. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 5 and younger.
The cast includes Will Chadek as Tarzan, Madelyn Fickel as Jane, Lexie Love as Kala, Joel Thompson as Kerchak, Tyler Bocock as Terk, Jonathan Zosel as Porter, Jake Bennett as Clayton, Tayte Erickson as Young Tarzan, Josh Miller as Young Terk, Ethan Buck as Father, Esther Oosterhout as Mother, Gabriel Weisenburger as Snipes and Josselyn Short as Leopard.
The ensemble includes Morgan Adkins, Jessica Barajas, Emery Barkdull, Joshua Baker, Brooklyn Bean, Porter Buck, Alyssa Burkhead, Kekoa Cerbana, Jack Duggan, Rylan Ellis, Theo Fuller, Marisol Gonzalez, Amy Grinzel, Lindsay Harmon, Sophia Heinz, Teran Hembry, Masyn King, Mina Klein, Rylan Korpi, Elsa Miller, Maddie Nielsen, Allie Orozco, Katrina Paige, Allie Palmer, Kalani Pinter, Kassarah Pollert, Aidan Sweet, Devan Toomey, Amy Velasco, Kate Walker and Gabriel Weisenburger.
