Two Worlds, One Family—Me Tarzan!

REVIEW: Tarzan, 3D Theatricals

By Ryan M. Luévano

If the opening night performance of 3D Theatricals production of Tarzan in Redondo Beach proves anything, it’s that when it comes to 3D: it’s always theater worth driving for. This production of Disney’s Tarzan marks the regional premiere for Southern California bringing the audience into the African jungle where lie apes, giant flowers, moths, leopards and a jungle man who swings through the trees on a suspended harness.

Katie Deshan and the cast of Tarzan. Photo Credit: Isaac James Creative.

With so many moving parts there is definitely something for everyone in this family friendly 3D production. We are “oo-ing” and “aww-ing” from the onset as we see a stunning visual representation of a shipwreck on stage complete with sound effects, animated projections, swimming people, and stellar lighting effects—everything but the water splashing the audience in the face. Once the storm has passes there is still more to see as the flying aerial sequences by the “Fly Guy”, Paul Rubin permeates the show. Tarzan and the cast defy gravity throughout: tree surfing and dancing around from the floor to the canopy transforming the stage into rainforest playground. The most natural of all these moving parts is the high-energy choreography of Linda Love Simmons that is a combination modern dance with tinge of African sensibilities. It’s clear her dancers are enjoying themselves onstage. My favorite performance is the act two opener, “Trashin’ the Camp” where order and chaos form a fun, spirited dance number bringing the audience back into the world of the Tarzan adventure.

The cast in this production is absolutely phenomenal—everyone knows their place and who they represent on stage. The most impressive of the bunch is adult Tarzan (Devin Archer) who from his first entrance near the end of act one maintains a wild ape-like walk and demeanor throughout the show, he never gives the impression that he can stand up straight and walk like a normal person, of which he’s perfectly capable—at least we hope. Additionally, Archer’s warm voice also thrills as his renditions of “Different” and “Everything I Am” offer many emotional peaks and strong vocals. Tarzan’s ape mother Kala (Daebreon Poiema)

Daebreon Poiema, left, and Jude Mason. Photo Credit: Isaac James Creative.

creates another unforgettable character as her paternal instinct sparks a connection with the audience. Her performance of the Golden Globe and Academy Award winning song “You’ll Be in My Heart” is tender and profound. The comic relief if the show lies with Terk (Lawrence Cummings) as his high-spirited energy always livens the mood offering skilled performances of songs that can’t help but beguile.

Although L.A. audiences will thoroughly enjoy this monumental production, it becomes evident why for New York audiences this show was more than couple bananas short of a full bunch. Ben Brantley of the New York Times said it best, “Tarzan somehow never acquired the art of focus. [. . .] Any tension or excitement is routinely sabotaged by overkill and diffuseness. No moment seems to carry more dramatic weight than any other. All instances of swinging (and they are countless) have been created equal. And Mr. Collins’s soda-pop songs [. . .] surface and evaporate more or less at random, like bubbles on a pond.” For me all the heart of the show occurs in the second act, the first act is mostly superfluous—Disney is better off condensing Tarzan into a tidy 90-minute show.

Jude Mason, left and Lawrence Cummings. Photo Credit: Isaac James Creative.

WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR?

Nick Petrillo successfully leads the 12-piece orchestra (Los Angeles Musicians Collective) as keyboard player and conductor. Like any good music director he keeps the show together and offers a tight musical product in the end. Sure his hands and arms spend a lot of time flapping well above the orchestra pit’s border, but its seems to work for the group and sometimes that’s all that matters. Bravo to a job well done!

Photo Credit: Isaac James Creative.

With opening weekend fully underway, take the time and the miles to see 3D Theatricals production of Tarzan at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center from August 1-9—step into the jungle you’ll be glad you did!