Disney Editions, an imprint of Disney Book Group, has announced the release of the book Tarzan: The Broadway Adventure by Michael Lassell.
"Tarzan: The Broadway Adventure is an intimate backstage look at the five-year development process of Tarzan, from early concept drawings to auditions and exploratory flying workshops, through rehearsals and previews, and even to the gala opening night. The book features never-before-published photography of the cast at work as well as a look at the collaboration among the members of the creative team. Tarzan: The Broadway Adventure features the photos of three amazing photographers: acclaimed Broadway production photographer Joan Marcus, revolutionary sports photographer Heinz Kluetmeier and stylized portraits by renowned photographer Ruven Afanador," state press materials.
"The book gives the reader a peek at the production from the inside, a story that isn't told anywhere else. In this colorful volume are exquisite costume and set design sketches and models as well as images of the set in all stages of its development. The book conveys the full beauty of the show's unequalled drama and offers readers unique insight into a process few will ever see. It's the next best thing to a front-row seat."
Author Michael Lassell was given complete behind-the-scenes access to the production. He says of Tarzan: The Broadway Adventure, "I love going to the theater and being surprised, but I have the kind of mind that always wants to know 'How did they do that?' Observing the rehearsal process is really the only way to find out, because what you see in the theater is meant to hide the mechanisms behind the magic. Because this production rehearsed for so long on the actual set, the rehearsal process for this show was much closer to performance than is usual. Especially when the company was in Brooklyn, with set building and costume construction and harness fittings and rigging and dancing going on all the time—on two facing sets. Bob Crowley called the studio 'an ecology' of activity. It was a masterpiece of organization and a real privilege to watch."
Published by Disney Editions, the book has a list price of $40.
The musical opened May 10, 2006 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street) on Broadway. It is presented by Disney Theatrical Productions (Thomas Schumacher, Producer).
Disney's first international production of Tarzan, a continuation of a long-standing co-partnership between Disney Theatrical Productions and Stage Entertainment, will open April 15, 2007 at the Circustheatre near Amsterdam.
The production stars Josh Strickland as Tarzan, jenn gambatese as Jane, Merle Dandridge as Kala, Shuler Hensley as Kerchak, Chester Gregory II as Terk, Timothy Jerome as Professor Porter and Donnie Keshawarz as Clayton. Alex Rutherford and Dylan Riley Snyder alternate in the role of Young Tarzan.
Three-time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (Aida, Carousel, The History Boys), directs and designs scenery and costumes for Tarzan. Oscar- and seven-time Grammy Award winner Phil Collins has written the music and lyrics, expanding his songs for Disney's film into a complete theatre score. Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) has written the book, based on Tarzan of the Apes, by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and the film, Tarzan. Choreography is by Meryl Tankard, with aerial design by Pichón Baldinu (De La Guarda). Lighting design is by Tony Award-winner Natasha Katz (Aida) and sound design is by John Shivers. Other members of the creative team include Paul Bogaev (Music Producer/Vocal Arrangements) and Doug Besterman (Orchestrations).
