The Mansfield Youth Theatre (“MY Theatre”) will present Disney’s Tarzan on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre January 15, 16, and 17, 2021 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series, with additional sponsorship from Bill and Dotti Jilek. Performances will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney will direct the production, with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors.
The cast is composed of nearly 50 students ages 7-18 from the following schools: Ashland, Big Walnut, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery – Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Galion, Homeschool, Knox County Career Center, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Ontario, Pioneer CTC Performing Arts, Richland School of Academic Arts, Shelby, Willard, and Wooster.
The cast is led by Nathaniel Ivy and Alex Snodgrass as Tarzan, as well as Ellie Nickoli and Hayley Sleek performing in the role of Jane. The role of Kerchak will be played by Zavier Alterio and Gavin Hull and and the role of Kala by Kristin Kaufman and McKenna Stoffer. Terk will be portrayed by Jamie Mayfield and Naomi Schag; with Kaden Gilland, Austin Michael as Professor Porter. Young Tarzan will be played by Graycen Stevens; with Owen Hendershott and Madison Kearney playing the role of Young Terk.
The cast also includes: Stella Powers as Mother; Isla Donley as the Leopard; Gillian Donley as Clayton; and Joshua Browning and Payne Schwartz as Snipes. The ensemble will be comprised of: Abby Bechstein, Kadelyn Becker, Joshua Browning, Jennifer Covel, Gillian Donley, Isla Donley, Elina Gilland, MaKayla Lawrence, Lilly Lehman, Addison Nichol, Stella Powers, Payne Schwartz, Asher Stefaniuk, Katherine Stefaniuk, Alex Trolian, and Julia Wyant. Children’s Chorus members include: Isabella Crow, Sophia Duncan, Emersyn Henderson, Audrey King, McKinnley King, Evie McCready, Lilly McCready, Jackie Metz, Ainsley Roub, Alivia Roub, Fin Rowlands, Sophia Schag, Carlie Schnittke, Blake Schwartz, Caroline Secrist, Caroline Stefaniuk, Sophia Wilson, Alyssa Woodmansee.
At the core of the smash-hit Broadway production, and 1999 Disney animated film, is the story of an outsider trying to fit in. Based on Edgar Rice Borroughs’ classic novel Tarzan of the Apes, this high-swinging musical tells the story of Tarzan, orphaned as a baby on the shores of West Africa and taken in to be raised by a tribe of gorillas. As he grows into a man, he strives to earn the acceptance of his ape father while grappling with his own uniqueness. When an expedition from England enters their territory, Tarzan has his first encounter with other humans as he meets Professor Porter, his beautiful daughter, Jane, and their hunting guide, Clayton. This unlikely and heartwarming love story is filled with adventure, and reminds us that the bond of family can never truly be broken. Disney’s Tarzan features music and lyrics by Phil Collins, including the Grammy and Oscar winning “You’ll Be in My Heart.”
“The story, based on the novel, is filled with energy and emotion as the character of Tarzan tries to find his place within his adoptive family. And, while the musical’s story focuses on both the love and adversity Tarzan faces, the addition of Phil Collins’ music injects all of the vibrancy and excitement needed to take the message to the next level. Disney has taken this story we can all relate to—that feeling of not quite fitting in—and has made it even more accessible for a family audience,” shares Maloney. “As always, Disney pieces have an element of fun—Tarzan is certainly no exception! And, of course, this group of very talented young performers will bring a lot of heart as they tell the story, so families will love the experience!”
Based upon Disney’s 1999 Academy Award-winning animated film of the same name, Disney’s Tarzan debuted on Broadway on May 10, 2006. The musical features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Grammy, Academy, and Golden Globe winner Phil Collins, plus new songs written for the Broadway production. The book of the show was written by David Henry Hwang. The Broadway production was directed and designed by Tony winner Bob Crowley and produced by Disney Theatricals. Disney’s Tarzan ran for 486 performances on Broadway, and has been staged in numerous countries, as well as in regional theatres.
Renaissance Performing Arts Association has developed a thorough plan for the safety and health of its patrons, performers, staff, and volunteers. This plan can be found on the Renaissance website at https://rentickets.org/our-commitment-to-you/
Tickets for Disney’s Tarzan are $15, general admission, and on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at RenTickets.org. Currently the Box Office is open by appointment only. A free sensory-friendly performance of Tarzan will be offered Saturday, September 16 at 1:00 PM for families of individuals with special needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office at (419) 522-2726. A limited number of tickets are available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association; Image by bere von awstburg from Pixabay
