Montgomery Student to Perform as 'Young Tarzan' in Disney's Tarzan Musical

Written by Sylvia Harder

Jonah Harder is following his older brother, Gabriel’s, lead. Literally. The two brothers are sharing the lead role in Spotlight Youth Theater’s production of the Broadway hit musical, Tarzan, May 15-17 at the Batavia Fine Arts Center. Jonah is portraying Young Tarzan, while Gabriel takes over as the character’s older self once grown. “The directors didn’t know we were brothers when we auditioned”, Jonah says. “They only found out later.”

Jonah, 11, who is home schooled, began participating in Spotlight a few years ago, and has been taking classes and doing shows with the group since. This, however, is his first lead role. “I like the seriousness of the character”, he says, “but I also like the fun side too – like swinging through the jungle.” The set includes an elaborate ropes system that allows many in the cast to fly, as well as climb and swing from the vines. “It’s super cool!” says Harder. He also has been enjoying the opportunity to share the role with his big brother. “It’s pretty awesome! We get to sing together at one point which is really cool because this is his last show”. The older Harder, 18, will be leaving for college in the fall.

Does Jonah plan to continue acting after his brother goes? “Definitely. Spotlight is great because you make so many friends and get to do amazing shows, and it’s Christian, so we pray together, and have devotions and worship times.” The group puts on three major productions each school year, as well as holds classes in singing, dancing, and acting. Summer camps are available as well.

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.