Batavia Student to Perform as 'Clayton' in Disney's Tarzan Musical

Written by Sylvia Harder

While many high school seniors are reveling in “senior slump” this time of year, 18 year old Batavia resident, Caleb Peery, is only going stronger. Having just earned his Eagle Scout rank last week, he now is gearing up for his role as Clayton, the evil explorer, in Spotlight Youth Theater’s upcoming musical production of Tarzan.

“I’ve always loved Disney villains - and I’ve always wanted to play one on stage” says Peery, who describes his character as arrogant and prideful, with ulterior motives. This isn’t Peery’s first “evil” role, either. He’s been with Spotlight the past four years and has played similar characters in productions of Robin Hood and, most recently, Aladdin.

In real life, however, Caleb is anything but the bad guy. Always having been very involved with his church, he is preparing for a mission trip to Cabo, Mexico this summer, where he will be the vacation Bible school director for the week. Peery is also a devoted big brother to Xander and Molly, who have been cast alongside him in Tarzan. “It’s a cool experience. I love to watch how talented they are,” he says of them. “To me, they’re just my brother and sister, but when I watch them, I really see what great actors, singers, and dancers they’ve become – I’m a proud brother.”

As a graduating senior, Tarzan will be Peery’s last production with Spotlight Youth Theater. He’s headed to Taylor University next fall to major in Psychology, Political Science, and Economics, though he says he can definitely see himself trying out for shows there as well. Of leaving his first theater company, however, Peery says, “I’ve had a great experience with Spotlight, I’m going to miss it – I’ve had a good time.”

Please join us as Spotlight Youth Theater presents, Disney’s Tarzan, based on the epic animated adventure of Edgar Rice Burrough’s novel, Tarzan of the Apes. Disney’s Tarzan is full of high-flying excitement and heart-pumping music that will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

WHEN: May 15th – May 17th

• Friday, May 15th – 7:00pm
• Saturday, May 16th – 2:00pm
• Saturday, May 16th – 6:00pm
• Sunday, May 17th – 3:00pm

WHERE: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main Street (entrance off of Wilson), Batavia, IL

TICKETS: 847-516-2298 or visit www.spotlight.org $9-$12 presale, + $2 at the door
Group, child, and senior prices available

WHO: Spotlight Youth Theater is a non-profit, educational theater arts program for students 5-18 in the Aurora, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kenosha, Lake, McHenry, Milwaukee, Oak Park, Orland Park, Rockford Metro, and Shorewood areas and has approximately 6,000 students per year. Each area offers summer camps and after-school classes in dance, voice, drama and theatrical specialties, and performs three fully staged musical productions per year. Spotlight is non- discriminatory and welcomes all children.