Tarzan on Broadway: Show Is Now Closed

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Tarzan Summary

  • Show Status: Closed
  • Genre: Musical
  • Tarzan is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including an intermission of 15 minutes
  • 8 Shows per week
  • Previews Began: March 24, 2006
  • Show Opened : May 10, 2006
  • Show Closed: July 8, 2007

An orphaned boy raised by gorillas in the African jungle. As he grows up, Tarzan encounters humans for the first time, including Jane, leading him to discover his true identity and grapple with the choice between his animal upbringing and his human heritage.

What's Tarzan Like?

Bbased on Disney's animated film and Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel, the story follows Tarzan, a boy orphaned in the African jungle and raised by gorillas. As Tarzan grows up, he encounters humans for the first time when explorer Jane Porter and her team arrive.

Tarzan is torn between his loyalty to his gorilla family, led by the protective Kerchak and nurturing Kala, and his growing feelings for Jane, who introduces him to human culture and language.

Conflict arises when a greedy hunter, Clayton, manipulates events to capture the gorillas and exploit the jungle's resources. Tarzan must navigate between his animal instincts and his newfound human identity to protect his loved ones and their home.

Ultimately, Tarzan learns about love, loss, and the importance of family and chooses to protect both the jungle and the people he cares about, finding his place in two worlds.

Is Tarzan Good for Kids?

This show is designed for kids

Tarzan on Broadway Background

The Broadway production of "Tarzan" premiered in 2006 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. It was based on Disney's animated film and Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel "Tarzan of the Apes," with music and lyrics by Phil Collins and a book by David Henry Hwang. The musical aimed to capture the essence of adventure and romance in the jungle.

Innovative Set Designs

The show featured innovative set designs, including aerial choreography to simulate Tarzan swinging through the jungle. The cast included Josh Strickland as Tarzan and Jenn Gambatese as Jane, along with notable performances by Shuler Hensley as Kerchak and Merle Dandridge as Kala.

Mixed Reviews

Despite mixed reviews, the musical was known for its strong visual elements and Collins' recognizable music. It ran for over a year on Broadway before closing in 2007, marking a notable attempt to bring the beloved Disney story to life on stage with theatrical flair and modern stagecraft.

Theatre Information

Richard Rodgers Theatre

226 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10019
Seats: 1,324
Entrance: 46th Street, between 8th and Broadway
Theatre Information

Richard Rodgers Theatre Seating Chart

Cast Members

Tarzan
Josh Strickland
Jane
Jenn Gambatese
Kerchak
Shuler Hensley
Kala
Merle Dandridge
Terk
Chester Gregory
Professor Porter
Tim Jerome
Clayton
Donnie Keshawarz

Production Credits

Director
Bob Crowley

Creative Team

Playwright
David Henry Hwang
Music and lyrics
Phil Collins
Original Book
Edgar Rice Burroughs