Kathy Woods – Tarzan a musical based on a 1999 Disney film of the same name and story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Music and lyrics written by Phil Collins, with a book by David Henry Hwang. The musical began its run on March 24, 2006, and officially opening at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway on May 10, making it the only Disney Theatrical Productions production without an out-of-town tryout. The show closed on July 8, 2007 after 35 previews and 486 performances.
Tarzan the Stage Musical was performed by the Moonlight Youth Theatre and is a program of the Moonlight Cultural Foundation. Tarzan started October 9-11, and runs through October 16-18.
Attending the VIP Reception on Opening night, October 9th. There were cocktails and hors d’oeurves followed by a Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing to support the Moonlight Youth Theatre. Meeting Vista Mayor Judy Ritter and Director Kathy Brombacher. The most exciting part of the reception was the Special Guest Appearance by Broadways Original Tarzan, Josh Strickland. Also at the reception were cast members (Young Tarzan) Josh Bradford and (Adult Tarzan) Jonah Duhe of the nights performance.
The play began with the most beautiful sets of striking colors and hues, and amazingly unique costumes. The tree to tree swinging scenes went off without a hitch and surprised the audience. We had to keep reminding ourselves that this performance was acted out by 47 youth between the ages of 8 to 18 years old. The dance scenes and voices were so exciting and energetic.
The main characters: Jake Bradford (Kerchak) is 16 years old and a Junior at Rancho Buena Vista High School. Josh Bradford (Young Tarzan) is 12 years old and a 7th grader at Roosevelt Middle School. Jonah Duhe (Tarzan) was excited to make his debut at the Moonlight. Jonah is a freshman at Mira Costa College pursing a degree in theater. Delaney Ryan (Kala, Kerchak’s mate) is 17 years old and attends San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas. Sittichai Chaiyahat (Clayton/Father) is 16 years old and a junior in high school. Robynne French (Mother) is a sophomore at Calvary Murrieta Christian Academy. Olivia Hodson (Terk) is a 16 year old sophomore from Carlsbad. Courtney Conway (Jane Porter) is 16 years old and currently a junior at the Grauer School in Encinitas. See link for Cast of Tarzan
Director Kathy Brombacher, the Musical Director with Conductor Lyndon Pugeda, and Choreographer is Kyle Hawk. Costume Designers Helen Jaeger and Light Designer Jennifer Edwards. All were superb and deserved their own standing ovation.
This is a must see and tickets are still available now for this weekend starting Friday October 16th through Sunday October 18th. Don’t let this wonderful gem pass you by.
