Summer is about to become more exciting and thrilling as Disney’s “Tarzan,” the spectacular stage musical, makes its Georgia professional premiere at The Legacy Theatre through August 4.
Most people are familiar with the popular story of Tarzan, the boy raised by apes who eventually becomes Lord of the Jungle, falls in love with a girl named Jane, and eventually claims his birthright as an English lord.
The series of books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, countless movies, TV shows, and Sunday comics have rooted the ape man in popular culture, and thousands of kids and adults around the world have found themselves enthralled by his exciting adventures.
Legacy’s stage production—an adaptation of the 1999 feature length cartoon—will not disappoint the legions of die hard fans as well as those new to the legend, as audiences will be treated to a huge set suspended above and around the Legacy stage, tumbling, thrilling acrobatics, gorgeous costumes, rope swinging and some of the best talent you will find anywhere in Atlanta. Jeremy Varner, a Texas native, who was last seen in Legacy’s The Andrews Sisters: Christmas of Swing, will take on the lead role of Tarzan.
“Jeremy was perfect for this role,” says Mark Smith, the Legacy’s artistic director. “Not only is he a great actor, but he tumbles, dances, has a great voice and has that little bit of fearlessness and daring that the role requires. We have him hanging from pipes 25 feet in the air and singing at the same time. That takes a special kind of performer!”
The musical is unique in many ways and audiences will realize from the minute that the production starts that they are in for an exciting time.
The exciting score, that boasts pounding African drums and percussion was written by pop legend, Phil Collins—his first and only Broadway musical. Audiences will recognize the songs, “You’ll Be In My Heart”, which earned an Academy Award, “Son of Man”, “Strangers Like Me”, “Two Worlds” as well as be treated to several new songs by Collins penned exclusively for the Broadway show. The ambitious portrayal of dancing and singing apes by the Legacy’s stellar cast is true to life and unlike anything audiences have seen on a live stage.
The addition of aerial acrobatics, sixteen local kids who portray monkeys and dangerous plants, a giant spider-like creature, and a beautiful love story contribute to an unforgettable evening.
“The Tarzan books have always been near and dear to my heart,” says Smith, “and I’ve been hoping to do this show for a long time. You’re never going to see a production like this again. I sincerely hope that kids ages 5 to 95 will be thrilled by this exciting story and be transported to a world that many of us have only dreamed of. “Tarzan “ is rated G but does contain some thrilling content that may frighten very small children.
“Tarzan” opened July 12 and runs through August 4 at The Legacy Theatre in Tyrone, GA. Shows are Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m..
-Legacy is also offering summer camps in July! Call the Legacy box office at (404 )895-1473 for tickets or go online at www.thelegacytheatre.org.
