By Nicholas M. Voelker
If you’re looking for a show that’s easy access and full of entertainment then Tarzan is exactly what you’re looking for! This Disney production is based on the classic tale of a boy orphaned on an island and adopted by a family of gorillas. When he meets his first humans his whole world is turned upside down.
Most of the original cast can still be found on Broadway including Josh Strickland (who you might remember from American Idol season 2) as Tarzan, NYU Alum Jenn Gambatese (TSA) as Jane Porter, Merle Dandridge as Kala, and Chester Gregory II as Terk. Gregory keeps the young crowd full of excitement by swinging through the audience and belting some impressive vocals while upside down.
But don’t think just because Tarzan is a Disney production that it’s for the younger crowd only. Josh Strickland boasts impressive vocals and joins the ranks of Frenchie Davis (currently starring in Rent), Diana DeGarmo(two time performer in Hairspray), and Jennifer Hudson (Oscar winner for Dreamgirls) of former American Idol’s to prove that not winning the show doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. Strickland and Dandridge shine in their duet of “You’ll Be in My Heart”, a recognizable song from the Disney movie, written like the rest of the musicals songs by Phil Collins. But the show is stolen by Jenn Gambatese as the nerdy and infatuated Jane. The audience is swept off their feet by her performances in “Waiting for This Moment” and “For the First Time” as well as tears of laughter with her quirky accent and facial expressions.
Tarzan is a musical for all ages that will leave you, if not chest pounding, toe tapping out of the theater. The Richard Rodgers Theater on 226 W 46th Street has a student rush, valid with a student I.D., tickets are sold for $20 2 hours performance (better to get there 3 hours before 3 ½ on weekends). Tickets are sold at a first come first served basis, and the closer to the front of the line you are the better the seat. So what are you waiting for, swing down to the Richard Rogers to see Tarzan today!
Rating 4 out of 5