Disney’s Tarzan: The Stage Musical

After taking out a swathe of awards at the Golden Palm Theatre Awards in 2019, the Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir wasn’t going to let a little thing like a global pandemic stop them from staging their annual holiday production in 2020.

Despite a postponement, a change in venue, an extensive COVID plan and an audience capped at 110, the choir, consisting of almost 80 performers aged 10-18, brought jungle colour, energy and emotion to their production of Disney’s Tarzan: The Stage Musical on Saturday, 26 September 2020.

The musical was staged in a multi-purpose centre with the audience seated on socially-distanced plastic chairs and bleachers – a far cry from the group’s usual venue of the plush 1565-seat Empire Theatre.

Nevertheless, the choir proved why they have won awards, with a polished performance that brought audience members to tears.

Kate Hudson-James provided the standout performance as Kala, with ape-like mannerisms, tender motherly moments, and a tear-jerking, emotionally-charged rendition of You’ll be in My Heart.

Also noteworthy were Connor Vayro’s commanding Kerchak, Benjamin Todd’s fatherly Porter, Micah Adamson’s enthusiastic Tarzan and Lauren Baryla’s posh and quirky Jane.

Sophie Volp and Angus Mohr (Tarzan’s parents) and Eddie Pocknee (Young Tarzan) stole hearts with their sublimely sweet solos and duets.

Under the direction of long-time choir conductor/director Vicki Bravery and Musical Director Damian Dore, the ensemble added a harmonic and youthful dimension to Phil Collins and David Henry Hwang’s musical take on the classic West African Jungle tale. Choreography by Dan Erbacher for the varied characters - from graceful peacocks, vines and parrots to the gun-toting hunters and powerful ape colony - complimented the energetic tone of the musical.

Needless to say, the limitations of performing a musical in a multi-purpose centre were felt, with some negative impacts on the quality of staging, audio and lighting. 

Last but not least, kudos goes to Leisa Johnston and Lisa Volp for their vibrant and clever costuming, stunning headpieces and tribal-inspired makeup, as well as Marcella Cullin for her stunning set.

If this show and its determined production team has taught us anything, putting “your faith in what you most believe in” is vital if anything is to succeed– especially during a worldwide pandemic.

Madeleine Tiller