Swing into Stage 212 in La Salle for ‘Tarzan’

There are complicated shows that scare off community theater companies. “West Side Story” and “A Chorus Line,” for example, are tricky to stage. Most amateur groups will take a pass.

But when has Stage 212 in La Salle ever shrunk from a challenge? The local company begins 2025 with a production that gives some rivals a case of the willies: “Tarzan.”

No, the problem isn’t furnishing the Robert Manahan Centerwith vines, tree limbs and rain forest. This is no recreation of the classic Tarzan films starring Johnny Weissmuller. This is an adaption of the 1999 hit Disney film featuring Oscar-winning music by Phil Collins.

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Reed Tomasson (center) as Tarzan rehearses a scene with the cast of "Tarzan" on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at Stage 212 in La Salle. (Scott Anderson)

Ashley Hurst, who’s directing “Tarzan” for Stage 212, said moving the ultimate swinger from animated screen to stage was a trickier business than it sounds.

“The show is very rarely done because it takes a lot to do ‘Tarzan,’” Hurst said. “It takes a very specific set of skills to do it and to find cast members who are able to do this kind of stuff.”

The roles are surprising physical. The choreography includes some gymnastics and the African rhythms require fit performers who haven’t missed many cardio sessions at the gym.

Just ask Reid Tomasson, who was brought in to oversee the choreography but then successfully auditioned for the lead role. Tomasson had spent most of the past few years directing, save for a few spot roles, and playingTarzan required training worthy of a Marine Corps boot camp.

“This is a very physically demanding role,” said Tomasson, who estimated he spends 90% of his stage time on his hands and knees. “I have to take a little bragging moment: I lost 40 pounds just for this part. I’ve had a good excuse to get back in shape.”

For Serena Rogers, who was cast as Jane, preparations were more mental than physical. Rogers decided to veer away from cinema’s more lurid portrayals of Tarzan’s mate. Sheinstead conceived of a cerebral Jane who’s more interested in studying the rainforest.

“She’s a little nerdy and really excited to be in the jungle,” Rogers said, “because Jane is a botanist and she wants to study the plants.”

Costuming presented the most daunting challenge for Hurst and the production crew. Ape outfits are prohibitively expensive – far outside Stage 212’s budget – so Hurst set about finding a way to cloak her cast in affordable garments without comprising the suspension of disbelief.

It took a bit of research, Hurst allowed, but her “amazing team” came up with Spandex costumes that she said will impress the audience.

“The hidden star of this show is the costumers,” she said.

That is not to say it was easy finding performers to play apes. Hurst needed actors who could squat and adopt simian poses without feeling silly and falling out of character. There was a buy-in period for some of players, Hurst said, but rehearsals took off once everybody was in sync.

Frederick Davis plays Kerchak, Tarzan’s “monkey dad,” and he agreed the cast has morphed into a well-oiled machine.

“I love everybody in this cast,” Davis said, “it’s been a wonderful opportunity.”

Then again, “Tarzan” itself is fun and underappreciated. Hurst grew up a rabid fan of the Disney film and said the stage adaptation is no less guaranteed to please.

“It’s so underrated,” Hurst said. “Ask people their favorite Disney film, very rarely is ‘Tarzan’ mentioned. But bring it up and people go, ‘Oh, I do love that one.’ It’s a hidden gem.”

Rounding out the cast are Eric Massini as Father, Elizabeth Raiter as Mother, Megan Cullinan as Kala, Emma Woulfe as Leopard, Eloise Gatza as Young Tarzan, Kevin J. Alleman as Terk, Jeff Sudakov as Porter, Douglas S. Alleman as Clayton and Griffin Tabor as Snipes.

Featured in the ensemble are Ariana Lesman, Emma Woulfe, Griffin Tabor, Holly Malmassari, Jackson Layhew, Ivy Soens, Karson Gromm, Monika Sudakov, Reilly Jaeger and Susan Hagerty. Featured in the children’s ensemble are Adelynn Landers, Lyza Harty and Maelyn Hagerty.

Assisting Hurst in the production staff are producer Karen Lesman, music director Kevin J. Alleman, stage manager Forest A. Boes, production assistant/assistant choreographer Nina Leffers, costume coordinator Victoria Duttlinger, stagehands Ella Johns, Landon Balestri, Mary Craven, Tim Gatza, Perla Escatel, Robert Malerk, Karen Lesman, sewing team Joel Stevenor, Kathy Hurst, Lisa Gifford, P. J. Fulkerson, Karen Lesman and Victoria Duttlinger, and production artist Mary Arellano.

“Tarzan” will be presented Jan. 31 to Feb. 9 at Stage 212, 700 First St., La Salle. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are available to the general public for $22 and may be purchased by visiting the box office 4-6 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday or by calling 815-224-3025 during those hours. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting stage212.org.

“Tarzan” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.