Glenview Actors Join 'Tarzan' Musical at Northbrook Theatre

From Northbrook Park District

On Dec. 7, the Northbrook Theatre Children’s Company will kick off its new season with the vibrant musical Tarzan.

The family-friendly production is based on Disney’s popular animated film and Edgar Rice Burrough’s beloved story, Tarzan of the Apes. Upbeat and fun, this pop/rock musical takes audiences through an adventure-filled jungle with high-flying excitement, monkey business, and heart-pumping hits like the Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart.”

“The music really drew me to this show,” said Erin Sweet, Assistant Manager of Performing Arts with the Northbrook Park District, the producing organization. “The kids are enjoying it. The songs are beautiful and within their vocal range. We have strong singers and strong dancers involved in our program, so we wanted a fall show that would best showcase these talents. The story is very moving, and the script and score are well written. I thought they’d have fun with it.”

The classic tale of Tarzan unfolds in the early 1990s, when a shipwreck leaves a baby boy orphaned on the shore of West Africa. The infant is rescued and raised by a tribe of gorillas, becoming part of their family.

When he eventually meets his first human, both of their worlds are changed forever.

“Some of the themes resonate very well with the kids. The story is about a young boy who is trying to find his place in the world,” Sweet added. “The rehearsal process has been a positive experience for the participants as well as the staff. We have a lot of new kids who joined this year. We even have siblings in the cast. We are very fortunate to have a strong ensemble of jungle animals to help to bring this musical to life.”

For more than 30 years, the Northbrook Theatre Children’s Company (NTCC) has presented theatre by youth for youth. The actors are in grades 6-10. The entertaining productions help young actors develop teamwork and communication skills, along with friendship and a love of the theatre.

“Anytime you put young people on stage, they’re improving their public speaking and confidence. I’ve heard from so many parents that the theatre is an opportunity for their kids to shine. Not only is this a fun show to do musically, but it’s also a fun stage to act on; the set is playground-style with swings, vines, a rope bridge and trampoline.

“The style of set is exciting for the young actors, because it’s very different from what they’re used to. Everyone has been very focused at rehearsals. They are a great group of kids who work very hard. They all want to be there,” Sweet said.

There are three casts for the performances with 62 students, most from Northbrook, Deerfield and Glenview.

Performances are on December 7, 13 and 14 at 12:30 and 4pm at the Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Avenue. Reserved seats are $10 in advance and $12 for phone, internet and day-of-performance sales.

Audiences of all ages can watch the jungle come to life in this heartwarming story about the true meaning of family. For ticket information, visit northbrooktheatre.org or call 847∙291∙2995.