BWW Reviews: 3DT's Eye-Popping TARZAN Musical Swings into the OC Jungle

You gotta hand it to those super-creative folks over at Disney. They are certainly quite tenacious.

In their seemingly never-ending quest to repurpose its rich back-catalog of musical films---animated or otherwise---into fresh, three-dimensional live musicals for the stage, the global entertainment conglomerate has somehow always managed to find clever ways to mount live versions of what were once cinematic narratives visualized only with hundreds of thousands of drawings shown in rapid succession. While some of their efforts have been met with gloriously enthusiastic praise (and healthy box office returns), others, sadly, have not fared so well.

The latter was the case for the 2006 Broadway stage musical adaptation of TARZAN®: THE MUSICAL, a show based on the similarly-titled 1999 Disney animated film that itself was loosely inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' renowned 1914 novel. When the stage show first opened, the reception was decidedly mixed, resulting in a short-lived Broadway run that barely had a chance to live up to its seemingly high-flying potential.

On paper, Disney Theatrical Productions' gamble to turn this specific feature-length Disney cartoon into a huge, big-budget Broadway musical seemed relatively safe enough. I mean... what's not to like? It certainly has a familiar, audience-ready, fish-out-of-water story involving a shipwrecked infant baby raised amongst gorillas, who then later grows up to become a ripped, loin-cloth-clad jungle man with a penchant for gravity-defying leaps from vine to vine. Plus, it's got Academy Award-winning music written by popular recording star Phil Collins, much of which had already been heard and burrowed into many kids' psyches thanks to the fairly enjoyable Disney film that spawned it (he even agreed to write a whole bunch of additional songs for the stage show as well).

And, heck, the stage adaptation even boasts a book written by celebrated playwright David Henry Hwang! And, finally, the stage show is pretty much an art director's dream---featuring fantastical set, lighting, and costume possibilities that, when executed well, can prove to be a jaw-dropping wow-factor for both kids and their finicky parents.

Yet despite all these positive factors going in, the resulting musical still was not a hit. But, alas, New York's loss usually paves a quicker way for regional theaters across the country to pick up the pieces and take a similar gamble in tackling the property for themselves. So, fast forward to the Summer of 2015 where we find Orange County's superb, award-winning 3D Theatricals bravely choosing to present its very own home-grown, full-scale local production of the musical. Their lavish new production is currently playing at their OC home base at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton through July 26 (the show later transfers to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center for closing shows running August 1-9).

Closely mirroring the plot and narrative trajectory of the Disney animated movie that inspired it (save for a few inconsequential changes here and there), the stage reincarnation of the studio's version of the TARZAN legend recalls the tale of how a young, well-mannered Brit couple is tragically shipwrecked in the jungles of Africa with a newborn baby in tow. Sadly, that infant baby is soon orphaned when his parents are attacked and killed by a predatory leopard---the very same wild animal that also snatched away (and, perhaps, killed) the newborn offspring of gorillas Kala (the riveting Daebreon Poiema) and her companion Kerchak (Marc Cedric Smith), the stern leader of a tight-knit group of simians.

Distraught and desperate, Kala ventures deep into the Congo to look for her own missing baby, but instead discovers an abandoned human infant, alive but alone and helpless hidden up in a ravaged treehouse. She decides then and there to rescue the human baby---and raise him as her own amongst her gorilla tribe. She names him Tarzan.

Soon Tarzan grows up into a curious, dirt-covered young adolescent (played by the winning Jude Mason). Kerchak---knowing first-hand what Tarzan's "kind" are capable of---still refuses to treat Tarzan as one of the tribe, let alone accept Kala's plea for him to see the human as his "adoptive son." Kerchak's paranoid theory---that eventually Tarzan will give in to his natural-born human instincts and bring harm to the apes---is further exacerbated when Tarzan unknowingly constructs a spear that's meant not as a weapon but as a, um, fruit-poker. Despite assurances from Tarzan's funny, mischievous pal Terk (the funny Lawrence Cummings), Kerchak still banishes Tarzan from their tribe's nest. For her part, Kala---the only mother Tarzan has ever really known---assures Tarzan that, despite their obvious physical differences, they are both the same beneath the surface.

Several more years pass and Tarzan (now played by hunky Devin Archer) has morphed into a smart, inventive, strapping jungle man that's a favorite among his fellow apes. Unfortunately, though, he is still perpetually seeking Kerchak's approval and acceptance.

Of course, things are about to get even more complicated. Just arrived in the jungle: a scientific expedition led by the easily-excitable Professor Porter (Joey D'Auria) and his easily-fascinated daughter, the beautiful Ms. Jane Porter (Katie DeShan)---the latter of whom Tarzan rescues from becoming a tasty meal for a carnivorous plant. Naturally, the two fall head-over-heels in love with each other almost instantly. Meanwhile, the Porters are accompanied by their rifle-wielding guide Clayton (Brian Abraham) who seems to have a wicked, secret sinister plan up his sleeve.

Now if I were to bet on a professional Southern California regional theater company to recalibrate and revitalize a previously short-lived, mildly-received show like TARZAN and spin it into flashy theater magic, then 3DT would certainly be at the top of my short list to accomplish such a laudable feat. And, I must say, that after experiencing their epic-sized, eye-popping new production first-hand during the show's audience-packed opening weekend, I can honestly say that 3DT has, for the most part, achieved exactly that.

In this, their latest exciting theatrical effort, 3DT has nonetheless produced a remarkably admirable iteration of TARZAN that defiantly dazzles and entertains despite the inherent, unavoidable shortcomings of its licensed source material. Thanks to the incredible combined efforts of the show's creative team of brilliant theatrical artisans, its richly striking orchestra, and its top-notch, super-talented ensemble cast, this local production has certainly earned all of our collective, well-deserved cheers.

Under the showmanship-style guidance of director Rufus Bonds Jr., 3DT's vividly colorful TARZAN manages to rise (at times literally) high above the original show's weak plotting, Hwang's sometimes stale dialogue, and Collins' run-of-the-mill lyrics... and triumphantly emerge as a wonder-filled, visually-stunning treat for all ages. Kids (and, yes, even the young-at-heart) will especially appreciate the silly humor, the cartoon-like color palette, and the kooky characters and production numbers, while adults, will be awed by the show's first-rate production values, its terrific flying and theatrical special effects, and the spectacular vocal and acting work of the show's lead actors. The opening prologue alone is a mesmerizing sequence that instantly piques your interest.

Yes, this Broadway-caliber production is certainly elevated by its massive, mesmerizing sets designed by Stephen Gifford, the cleverly conceptual costumes by Sharell Martin, the gorgeous lighting designs by Jean-Yves Tessier, and its impressive projections designed by Jonathan Infante. In addition, Linda Love Simmon's energetic modern-tribal choreography coupled with Paul Rubin's breathtakingly complex flying sequences add to the overall wonder and enchantment (that opening---wow). Also, Musical Director Nick Petrillo leads a hardworking pit orchestra to produce a rich musical tapestry to accompany the visuals (though I still reluctantly admit that even with a seat in the third row center, the sound seems unnecessarily muffled by the enormous vinyl mats that line the top of the orchestra pit).

But, truly, the show's most extraordinary asset is actually its amazing troupe of actors, all blessed with striking talents well-suited for this particular show (and, at times, even manages to make the material seem better than it truly is). As the titular ape man, the likable Archer easily commands every scene he's in, displaying equal snippets of charm, strength, sexiness, and even gentility. Archer does a great job endearing himself to the audience, and you certainly have to applaud the actor's continuous energy as he leaps and sings across and, yes, above the stage for almost the entirety of the show---all the while barely wearing much. It's certainly quite a contrast from his role of Marius from Musical Theater West's production from a few months ago---proving the guy definitely has range.

Winningly paired with Archer as Jane, the incessantly curious, sometimes fumbling girl with a jones for a little exploratory knowledge and a whole lot of jungle love, is the amusing, sweet-tempered Deshan, who is appropriately cute-sy and provides a believably adorkable reason why Tarzan becomes so instantly smitten. She also has great, easy rapport with D'Auria who plays his kooky father.

Coming in early as Tarzan's younger, more pint-sized version, little Jude Mason is an impressive marvel at such a young age. This talented young kid has been making the rounds in SoCal regional theaters lately and has been wowing audiences (and surely his peers) with his noteworthy appearances thus far. His turn in this production is no exception, playing both the melancholy and elated sides of a young man not quite sure just where he fits in this world. Vocally, he's also developing quite nicely.

As the stubborn Kerchak, Smith brings a regal, authoritative presence---not to mention a rich singing voice---to his portrayal of the gorilla tribe's leader and chief, yet still allows for subtle hints of vulnerability in his scenes with both Poiema and Archer. Also, the stage time he shares with Poiema reveal genuine chemistry---and even a bit of unexpected romantic sass---while his "sparring matches" with Archer's adult Tarzan is layered with the emotional heaviness that is familiar territory with fractured parent-child relationships.

And speaking of parent-child relationships, the character of Kala is the unsung hero of this entire musical, sometimes becoming the most relatable, most important character in the show. That, of course, has a lot to do with the stellar work presented by Poiema, the actress embodying the role with genuine grace and hushed power. More than anyone else in the cast, I was especially moved by Poiema's heartbreaking portrayal of the ultimate unconditionally-loving mom. No matter what species you may be, you know Kala will love and nurture you no matter what. (Cue tissues). And then she sings, too! What a gorgeous voice!

Overall, despite a problematic book (you know there's a problem when important, plot-driven characters don't even show up until the second act), some chaotic, frenzied moments, and a mostly forgettable score (albeit performed incredibly well by the cast), 3DT still accomplishes an amazing feat with its high-energy regional production of TARZAN. Somehow, by approaching the material with great attitude, creative craftsmanship, great casting, and magical, well-funded theatrics, 3DT is able to present a stunning, visually-pleasing, entertaining show that is definitely worth checking out, especially if you are a Disney fanatic that wants to check off this Disney-stamped show from your to-see list.

Follow this reviewer on Twitter: @cre8iveMLQ

Photos of 3-D Theatricals' presentation of TARZAN® THE STAGE MUSICAL, BASED ON THE DISNEY FILM by Isaac James Creative. Review originally published in OnStage Critics.

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Performances of 3-D Theatricals' TARZAN®: THE STAGE MUSICAL, Based on the Disney Film continue at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton through July 26, 2015, then moves to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center for a limited engagement August 1 - 9, 2015. Shows are scheduled Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm.

For tickets or more information, call 714-589-2770 or visit www.3DTshows.com

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