Splendidly realised, the local premiere of Tarzan the Stage Musical swings into town in terrific form, its entertainment value boosted by heartfelt direction and a terrific cast.

Representing something of a quantum leap for Melbourne producer James Terry, the grand scale of Tarzan the Stage Musical fully befits the National Theatre space, building exponentially on the already very high standard seen in previous productions from James Terry Collective at Chapel off Chapel. Deftly blending veterans and newcomers, Terry has assembled a mighty creative team, cast, and band on par with the commercial stage. 

Based on the popular 1999 Disney film, Tarzan the Stage Musical played Broadway in 2006 with an expanded score from movie songwriter Phil Collins and a new book by David Henry Hwang. Not achieving the same impact as Disney’s mega successes, Tarzan did not go on to have the usual rollout of Australian and UK seasons. As is often the case, it has taken an independent producer to take a chance on a musical that lovers of the form are keen to enjoy.

Surviving a shipwreck, an infant boy is adopted by grieving mother ape Kala whose own baby was killed by the same leopard that killed the baby’s parents. Kala’s partner Kerchak fears the innate human tendencies of Tarzan, softening his stance when the boy grows up and protects the tribe by killing the leopard. The arrival of English explorers in the jungle brings not just guns but also a certain young woman named Jane. 

Exploring the fascinating concepts of nature at play, director Alister Smith elevates the work from a more superficial Disneyfied romp. The gorillas are portrayed with respect and humility, with a strong focus on their capacity for love, survival, and protection. Brimming with humour and heart, the unfolding story is engaging, enlightening, and entertaining. Smith’s close collaboration with the full production team sees all creative elements coalesce to serve the storytelling in winning style.

Celebrated choreographer Michael Ralph works his magic in a new realm here, crafting a vocabulary of movement for the gorilla tribe that is as intelligently conceived as it is spectacular to watch. Aerial work on “vines” adds to the visual appeal. Early ape number “Jungle Funk” is Ralph at his best, with act two opener “Trashin’ the Camp” as funny as it is slick. The choreography definitely leaves the audience wanting more and thankfully Ralph provides a little more with a wonderful set of choreographed curtain calls. 

Musical director Claire Healy leads a generously sized band of 12 musicians, whom the production has the respect to list in the program with headshots. Collins’ music is toe-tappingly accessible, with hit song “You’ll Be In My Heart” a pleasure to hear. Melbourne’s best sound designer Marcello Lo Ricco ensures that the instrumental and vocal music are boosted and balanced to perfection.

There is strong visual synergy between the work of set designer Jacob Battista and costume designer Bianca Pardo. Battista represents hanging vines with long strips of fabric while Pardo adorns the gorilla suits with strips of black fabric, which swing fabulously during dance sequences. Battista frames the stage with remnants of the shipwreck, working with skilful lighting designer Declan O’Neill to create varying locations and atmospheres as the sets of vines rise and fall. 

Proving himself a superb leading man, triple threat Joshua Russell is perfectly cast as Tarzan. Showing strong emotional intelligence, Russell brings wonder and spontaneity to Tarzan’s encounters with fellow humans and portrays authentic loving bonds with his family and tribe. All this, and he doesn’t look too bad at all in a loin cloth.

Newly graduated from VCA, Emily Robinson makes an auspicious debut as Jane. Blessed with a powerhouse voice, Robinson brings abundant pluck and agency to the headstrong young woman, readily raising Jane above the simple stereotype of a sheltered Victorian maiden. 

Sarah Murr imbues matriarchal ape Kala with abundant heart, grounding the musical in its message of love with her opening rendition of “You’ll Be In My Heart.” A glorious bass baritone. Devon Braithwaite brings presence and dignity to ape patriarch Kerchak.

On opening night, performer Daniel Lim worked with confidence and flair to set the scene as Young Tarzan. Lim touched heartstrings with his beautiful performance of Young Tarzan’s I wish song, “I Need to Know.”

As Tarzan’s playful playmate Terk, Trent Owers draws on a wide range of well developed talents, not the least of which is his ability to sing at full power while hanging upside down from a swinging vine.

The very model of a modern major naturalist, Prof. Porter is amusingly portrayed by Drew Holmes, who rounds out the comical role with Porter’s love for his daughter Jane and his ability to take action when required. 

In a delightful featured role, Nick Eynaud cheekily emphasises the camp tendencies of devilish fellow explorer Clayton. 

Singing strongly and performing Ralph’s choreography with acrobatic flair, the full ensemble is to be commended for their exemplary work in developing and maintaining the physicality of a tribe of gorillas. 

Something of a family musical yet without the saccharine schmaltz, Tarzan the Stage Musical is a very welcome production that will surely reward attendance from Melbourne’s legion musical theatre lovers. 

Tarzan the Stage Musical plays at National Theatre, St Kilda until 14 September 2025. For tickets, click here.

Photos: James Terry