Fun for All as Tarzan Swings into RFH

The award-winning Tower Players of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School will present the rollicking, family-friendly musical Tarzan at RFH. Performances are slated for Friday, March 24th and Saturday, March 25th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 26th at 1:00 p.m.

Ticket prices are ten dollars for general admission, and six dollars for students and seniors. Admission is free for RFH students with SGA cards.

Tarzan is based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure as well as Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes. Featuring high-flying excitement as well as heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins, it promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience. The Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart” as well as “Son of Man,” “Two Worlds,” and “Strangers Like Me” are among the featured songs.

The story begins in West Africa, where an infant boy washes ashore and is taken in by a gorilla named Kala (Rachel Makstein) who gives him the name “Tarzan.” As a child, Tarzan (Brennan Hughes) realizes that he is different from the others but does not understand why. Kala tries her hardest to protect him, while her husband and the leader, Kerchak (Calvin Bruno) believes that Tarzan is a danger and a menace to the entire tribe. Tarzan finds understanding and friendship with another young outcast gorilla named Turk (Jake Rallo) and they support one another as they grow older and stronger.

As Tarzan (Liam Hughes) grows into an adult, his life takes a dramatic turn when an expedition crew arrives to study the jungle. Tarzan encounters humans, creatures like himself, for the very first time – in the form of animal-loving academics Jane (Bailey Newsome), her dad Porter (Michael Bogardus), and their cruel guide Clayton (Josh Beacher). Rather than seeing the beauty of the land, however, Clayton sees the potential for money and power. Clayton’s mindset frightens both Kerchak and Tarzan, and the tension between the human and animal worlds only causes more confusion as Tarzan’s animal upbringing clashes mightily with his human instincts.

The ensemble cast features students portraying Island Spirits, gorillas, butterflies, flowers, and birds. High-energy numbers featuring the ensemble cast will include such feats as the butterflies climbing silks and performing acrobatics while hovering above the stage. The gorillas will perform acrobatically as well.

Audience members can expect a stunningly beautiful set featuring all colors of the rainbow as well as high-energy music and dancing – and, as always, terrific acting and singing by the RFH Tower Players.

Tarzan is directed by Suzanne Sweeney with KasiAnn Sweeney as Assistant Director. Jen Costa is Choreographer, and Amy Fredericks is Music and Vocal Director. Set and Technical Director is Matt Leddin, and Play Production Coordinator is Stefania Flecca.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the school’s website, rumsonfairhaven.org. The always-popular café will be open an hour before each performance and during intermission. Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School is located at 74 Ridge Road in Rumson.