Geneva Student to Perform as 'Kerchak' in Disney's Tarzan Musical

Written by Shawn Eident

Chandler Fuzak, 19 years old, is a graduating senior at Geneva High School. In the Fall he has plans to attend West Texas A & M for Musical Theater and Basketball. But for now, he is busy getting ready for his role as Kerchak, Tarzan’s adopted gorilla father in Spotlight Aurora’s upcoming production of “Tarzan”.

Towering over the cast, Chandler stands almost a head taller than any other cast member. He makes for a very impressive Kerchak, the male leader of the gorilla tribe that eventually adopts Tarzan as their son. If I was an animal in the jungle there is no way I would want to mess around with him! Seeing that Kerchak is the leader of his tribe he feels a huge responsibility to protect and provide for his family. When asked what Chandler has learned from his role as Kerchak, he says, “I’ve learned more about the importance of family, and I’ve learned that people receive and give love in very different ways”. Kerchak is one who loves in a very gruff and strict way, a way in which order is kept and boundaries are not crossed, and a way in which all can be protected from the outside world. Kala, his wife, on the other hand shows love in a much different way. She excepts people for who they are, where they are.

Chandler, in his role as Kerchak, also has several singing roles that he sings either solo or as a duet with Kala. Together they sing beautifully, and I have throughly enjoyed all the singing I have heard from these two as well as the rest of the cast.

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.