(Yet Another) Tarzan Mini-Review/Stage Door Report

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 4:11pm

Yup, I did it again. I may be the closest thing Tarzan has to those folks who went to see Scarlet Pimpernel every week… Visit 7. I know I posted an update on my visit to Tarzan just last Wednesday, but after a lousy day at work and no motivation to go home and do my schoolwork, I said what the hell and went back to my favorite swingers club, and I’m glad I did. Last night’s show may have been the best all around performance I’ve seen yet. I found myself wondering if they had done some tuning up in preparation for the cast change later this month because the show was *tight*. I dunno, it looked like some technical cues had been changed and everyone was spot on.

Shuler Hensley (Kerchak) was out last week, and somehow I had it in my head that he’d already left for Westport, but there he was with his frighteningly impressive intensity and fine voice. Josh Strickland seemed more physical and animated than usual as Tarzan, which led to part of my wondering about the tune up. Merle Dandridge (Kala) was, as usual, sublime and in great voice and Chester Gregory (Terk) looked like he was having more fun than usual (and he ALWAYS looks like he’s having fun!). I haven’t seen Alex Rutherford as Young Tarzan in awhile, and I was wondering if he was outgrowing the part; Nu-uh, he sounds as amazing as the first time I saw him (see notes below) and his energy is contagious. I felt bad about what I wrote last week and was rooting for Horace V. Rogers and he delivered ten-fold in the lead Son of Man vocals. Even Donnie Keshawarz (Clayton), who sometimes seems too two-dimensional (yup, I know that’s how the role was written), was right on top of his timing and I think this was the best performance I’ve seen from Tim Jerome (Professor Porter) yet. I saw a chemistry with Jane I hadn’t seen before, which leads me to why I’m posting this mini-review in this thread about understudies.

Out of seven visits, I have never seen the entire cast at the same time and last night Niki Scalera was on as Jane. My God, the Lady can sing. Jenn is an awesome Jane but Niki rocked my world. She made the performance her own, integrated seamlessly, yet still brought a new depth to Jane (Depth? Yes, I know it’s a Disney musical). Her voice was transcendent and her acting superb, and I’d bring my friends back to see her in a heartbeat.

And finally, to the ensemble… you guys totally blew me away last night. How is it that you seem to have MORE energy when you’ve already done one show that day. I think the background vocals for this show may be some of the most demanding that I know (and I know a lot of shows), combined with the demanding acrobatics and choreography. Each of you is a true ‘triple threat’ and I can only hope you can keep this up for many performances to come.

So… for something completely different… I finally waited at the stage door last night. I’m usually racing for the train to get home after a show as I have a two hour commute to and from the city and I don’t relish getting home at 1am and up again at 5:30am but anyway… But this was my seventh visit so I thought I should take the chance and set my phone alarm for 10:55 and waited. Here’s what I learned:

Donnie Keshawarz really talks like that, he’s warm, funny, and took time to talk to everyone.

Tim Jerome spent time Answering questions and was awfully polite about correcting folks who knew the shows he’s been in but got the parts wrong . (Uh, that wasn’t me, I was the other guy, Fermin). A veteran and a gentleman, thanks for your time.

Alex Rutherford really sounds like that. I work with kids his age (13) and somehow I thought it was, um, you know, acting. Great poise, polite and engaging, thanks for signing, but you should stay away from creepy old guys like me like your mom warned you about .

Chess, dude, wear a coat next time, it was cold out and you’ll catch pneumonia! You and Merle are the only ones I’ve seen at every show, and yeah, I was the one who asked you that. Good luck on the new CD! He took time to talk to everyone.

Merle Dandridge, how can I say this right… Even though I saw her in Rent she’s Tarzan’s mom now… but she looks so young in person. Beautiful, warm, engaging, and she had a kind word for everyone.

Josh Strickland stayed to pose for pictures, sign programs, big smile and pithy comments. I know he had to be exhausted but he didn’t rush off, and the folks gathered loved it.

The last one I caught was Niki Scalera, who seemed a little taken aback by the enthusiasm of the group gathered. Big smile, said I’d seen the show more often than her husband. She said ‘impressive’, I said, ‘no, obsessive’ but if you have read this far, you know that. I promised you a post here… I think she reads these boards, folks.

My only regret was that I couldn’t wait for Shuler Hensley but alas, I had a train to catch, another long day of work and school after no sleep, and another review to write. Hope you liked it, folks! Next time, I’ll pick on another show. Have I told y’all about my visits to Company or Grey Gardens yet?

[liotte]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 4:25pm

I'm happy to see a positive review of this show, thanks!

And I've seen the show way more times than you :)

[MotorTink]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 5:22pm

yay! I can't wait to get back and see it for a second time. I didn't get to stage door either, so I am really looking forward to it.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 5:52pm

I wanted to respond to this thread since I'm considering seeing "Tarzan" when I come to NYC in April. Is it just me, or is this one of those shows that people either love or hate with no middle ground? I'm a bit apprehensive about giving the show a slot on my trip as I can only see five show while I'm there. I already have tickets for "Curtains" and "Grey Gardens" and will probably be seeing "Our Leading Lady" Off-Broadway as well as picking up tickets for "Spring Awakening." My friend who is traveling with me really wants to see the show but I'm still wondering if this is the best choice for our final slot.

[mikem]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 5:53pm

Is Shuler Hensley doing the stage door regularly? It sounded like he was earlier in the run, but others recently have said they did not see him (maybe he's just very slow in coming out).

[MotorTink]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 5:57pm

I def. think this is a love it or hate it show. I loved it personally. I went in with an open mind, and really enjoyed myself. The show does have it's flaws, but overall it didn't effect my viewing of the show. The cast was my favorite part, they were phenomenal, in my opinion.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 6:03pm

Thanks MotorTink for your insight. I may give "Tarzan" a shot. I love all of the performances on the OBC, especially Merle Dandridge.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 6:51pm

I so wish I could just conveniently catch a show in NYC...

[Tchi4Lif188]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 7:17pm

I think I'm one of the very few who are in the middle about this show. I enjoy most of the cast, most of the music, and I think it truly has the best opening that I've seen, but I think the show itself just isn't up to par and there are some very dull moments. With that being said, it is a great "starter" show. My friends who are not so into Broadway saw it, loved it, and are now interested in seeing more shows. Not to mention, I always have a fun time at the show :)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 7:36pm

It wasn't the worst thing I've ever seen....but it's sure up there.

[Nath]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 8:20pm

sheeesh 7 times? I had trouble sittin through it once...

[steven22]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 8:22pm

i've seen tarzan 3 times and loved it..the 3rd time i saw it with horace v rogers who was no good as kerchak..this show is amazing in opinion...people either love it or hate it.

[NJRae]

Posted: 3/1/07 at 11:37pm

Great review!

I'm also one of the ones who is more in the middle. I really, thoroughly enjoy this show. Love the cast, love the obcr, have a lot of fun watching it but am well aware that it is far from the best show out there.

I agree that it is a great "starter" show and in addition it is also a great one to start someone on stagedooring. The cast is all very nice and friendly and I have yet to see that door be a mob scene. Crowded, sure, but not the mob I have seen at certain other shows. And the cast is just so nice!

I've only been twice, but both times Shuler did come out and was lots of fun to talk to.

[kyle.]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 12:32am

sidneybruhlm, I would recommend seeing Company when you are in NY in April. Are you a student? $36 student rush! Front row. One of the most amazing theatrical experiences of your life.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 12:42am

I find myself to be middle ground, I mean it was enjoyable, but I have no intention of returning anytime soon. I saw the show in July? and saw Niki as Jane and she was wonderful! She didn't have as strong a command over the low notes in "Waiting for this Moment," but wow what a powerful voice. I was glad to have seen her, as well as the show. From the front row it was a pleasant afternoon.

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 3:45am

It's hard to explain how I feel about the show...the cast is great, the book is horrible, the music seems random at points...I don't hate the show, but I don't love it. I can say it isn't Disney's best, and the book could be better. I give it another year or so. I don't think it was overlooked at the TONYS last year like some do. I really don't even think it deserved that one Tony nod that it got. I'm just not a fan of the show and I couldn't imagine sitting through it over and over again. It has it's strong points, but the only real problem I have with the show is the book. That's really about it.

I can say that if you have a chance to see something other than this, such as Spring Awakening, The Big Voice: God or Merman?, Comapany, Curtains, or Grey Gardens, go see one of those. If you have seen everything else or want to introduce a young one to theatre, this is a good back-up show.

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 5:50am

ive seen the show more than 7 times!

[jess20882]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 11:42am

i'll be at the performance tonight any other bww'ers going?

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 7:36pm

I've been back and forth on this for awhile now. I have a favorite restaurant that I like to go to when I'm feeling down. It doesn't look like much from the outside and the menu is kind of limited but the food is outstanding and the waitresses always makes you feel like you're coming home. Or the local animal shelter with no budget, living on donations and in disrepair, with a loving, attentive staff that never looks at a clock, with rows of big eyes and wagging tails when you drop off your donation. That's what Tarzan does for me.

Truth be told, I'm not enamored of the book. Being a Tarzan fan as a kid, I was a little disappointed; when it came time to expand the story, there were a lot of ways it could have gone. I am always shocked at how the last scene just kind of ends, like someone said, "OK, time, that's all the kids will sit through". Eh. Sixteen bars is hardly a rousing finale. There are some funny quips but I'm not going to be using this book for a comparative literature paper.

That said, this production is a testimony to making lemonade out of lemons. The West Chemung Community Players are never going to hold a candle to the production design or costumes. I know that some love and others hate the set, but it would be way too easy for the set to overwhelm a production like this, and the simplicity strikes a perfect balance while also accomodating for the needs of the acrobotics and choreography and the safety of the actors. The lighting deserved the Tony nomination and while I tend to tune out the sound design, this show has helped me redefine 'just right'.

And most importantly, this has to be one of the hardest working casts on Broadway. I can sing a lot and dance a little. I've never had to do it upside down over an audience's heads. OK, granted, nobody is singing upside down, bouncing on a bungee cord, playing a ukelele, but maybe in the John Doyle revival... My past reviews are all archived here, but I tend to see shows several times and I can say this about Tarzan, I never walked away feeling like anyone ever dialed in a performance. I understand that the sheer physical demands of this show mean I've seen a few more understudies, but they have been excellent.

Sometimes, when you've had a rough day, you need to hit that favorite spot that's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. I'm still catching a lot of shows, but for me, that spot's at the Richard Rogers right now. OK, for those who have seen it more than me... what's YOUR story? :)




Updated On: 3/2/07 at 07:36 PM

[AudreyTwoTwo]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 8:32pm

I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I thought the show was okay, but I also get freaked out by loud noises (like gun shots) so I kinda kept slouching and hiding. But, I did enjoy myself.

[NJRae]

Posted: 3/2/07 at 9:57pm

Shakespearean: Very, very well put!

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Posted: 3/3/07 at 12:34am

i dont need a story to see a show i like and people i enjoy seeing.

[margo2]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:51am

I have seen the show twice, once in July and once at the end of December with my niece--the show was good, lacking in some areas but the score was good and Merle Dandridge stole the show, my niece also loved Alex Rutherford. I didn't go to the stagedoor my first time, but my niece wanted to meet "Young Tarzan." The entire cast was very nice taking pictures and all, but don't expect that treatment past the theatre. I think it might be going to somebody's head that he's Tarzan on Broadway.

Posted: 3/6/07 at 9:54am

(I think it might be going to somebody's head that he's Tarzan on Broadway.)

I don't believe thats true. Some of the other cast members I would say aren't that nice even at the stagedoor but Josh and Jenn have always been so sweet. I've seen Josh away from the stagedoor and he was always kind.

As far as Tarzan. I have seen it multiple times and have learned to like it better with each time I see it. I agree that the book lacks something. Some of the lines are cheesy but they are aimed for children. I love the music to the show and I love the original cast! I will continue seeing it as long as they are there.
Updated On: 3/6/07 at 09:54 AM

[belle3107]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 12:44pm

"I think it might be going to somebody's head that he's Tarzan on Broadway."

NOT true