While unusual, we wish to announce an out of the area theatrical production. Why? Because it is the northwest "debut" (semantics, Disney contract says they can't use the word "premier") of a really great show AND my niece is on the crew.
Springfield, Oregon's NHCC announces its production of Disney's "TARZAN ® The Stage Musical" originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions. Based on the Disney film with Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins. Book by David Henry Hwang which was adapted from the story Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Tickets: www.TarzanEugene.com or 541-521-0739
Dates/Times: 7 p.m., Friday, April 19; 7 p.m., Friday, April 26; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 20; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 27; 3 p.m., Sunday, April 21; and 3 p.m., Sunday, April 28. Admission: $18 Adults, $15 Students/Seniors
Location: New Hope Center Auditorium, 1790 Charnelton St., Springfield, Ore.
TRUST ME, you do not want to miss this PNW debut! The show is amazing, and should the college do it justice, it will knock your socks off. For the first time ever in the Pacific Northwest, this New Hope production of “Tarzan: The Stage Musical” is sure to wow audiences of all ages. With its sing-a-long pop score and familiar story line adapted from the blockbuster 1999 Disney animated film and beloved story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, young and old alike will marvel as this jungle story springs to life.
The Story: This classic tale begins when an early 1900 shipwreck leaves an infant orphaned on the West African shore. The helpless baby is taken under the protection of a gorilla tribe and becomes part of their family. When he eventually encounters his first human--Jane Porter, a curious young explorer--both of their worlds are transformed forever.
"Tarzan®" features the songs from Disney's film as well, as well as nine new songs written specifically for the Broadway production. The show's Grammy Award-winning musical score, written by singer/songwriter Phil Collins, propels the energy and imagination of this literary favorite, making this a "must see".
Cast & Production Team Highlights:
Isaac Frank, in the role of Tarzan, brings his dance and athletic prowess, as well as his powerhouse
vocals, to the stage of Tarzan. Seen last year as Jesus in the NHCC production of "Godspell," Isaac is ready to play one of the most physically demanding roles of his life.
In the role of Jane, Christina Brown of Nanakuli, Hawaii, is no stranger to the stage or television. Brown advanced from among 1000's of auditions in a national audition process to land in the top six contestants in ABC television’s "High School Musical: Get in the Picture." Appearing weekly for all her fans in homes all across the country, Christina takes all the fame in stride as she pursues a career in the music industry.
Hollywood comes to Eugene, with arranger Larry Kenton playing the role of Jane’s father. Larry’s work in Pixar’s "UP!" resulted in helping land an academy award for its beautiful score. Larry has also been seen around Eugene pursuing his passion of singing in several roles, most recently as Herbie in Cottage Grove’s production of "Gypsy."
Adding an array of color and elegant choreography is the Hosanna Dance Studio. Hosanna Dance Studio is well known for its annual seasonal production of Adventures in Narnia held at the Ragozzino Performance Hall at Lane Community College.
The rest of this talented cast is comprised of Creative Arts majors and other talented singers and dancers from New Hope Christian College.
Having recently appeared in the Shedd and OFAM productions of "The King and I" (Lady Thiang), and "Sound of Music" (Mother Superior), local actress and singer Cindy Kenny, steps off the stage to direct this high flying adventure.
“There’s a powerful and emotional story line that runs throughout Tarzan, and the trick is to bring the heart of that story to life in the midst of all the amazing costumes, choreography, music and orchestra while at the same time keeping it real and believable,” said Kenny.
Well known for his lighting designs at The Hult Center, Eugene Ballet, and Eugene Opera, Kelly Baum brings his experience and creativity to bear on both the lighting and stage design for this production.
Choreographer Jennifer Knight Dills, having served on the faculty at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, now brings her artistry and teaching experience to New Hope Christian College and to this Tarzan® production.
For tickets:
http://www.tarzaneugene.com/
For a video preview click here.
New Hope is proud to partner with the following premium sponsors to bring this production to the stage: Anderson Group International, KVAL Television, Bourland Printing, IP Services, BiMart and New Hope International.
Be sure and see our REVIEW Saturday April 20. Both Dennis Sparks and I (Gregory E. Zschomler) will be reviewing the show. And there will be pictures. But don't wait, buy your tickets now for this momentous event, as I expect this will sell out quickly.
It was a hit in NYC where it played 309 performances at the Westside Theatre in 2010. Prior to that it ran for six months in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune described THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS as the "most successful show in the history of Chicago's Mercury Theatre." It, also, had two engagements at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. where it played for ten sold-out weeks. 
