Over 70 local youth to take Palace stage in “Tarzan” musical

The Marion Palace Theatre located in downtown Marion, Ohio is set to stage a full scale musical production of Disney’s “Tarzan” for three performances on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 7:30pm, Saturday, October 8 at 7:30pm and Sunday, October 9 at 2:00pm.

In this adaptation of the Disney film, “Tarzan” tells the moving story of a shipwreck that leaves an infant boy washed up on the shores of West Africa. The orphaned boy is taken in and raised by a tribe of gorillas who name him Tarzan. Against what seems to be incredible odds, Tarzan grows up to become an openhearted, accomplished, and intelligent young man. Beautifully retold for the stage by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang, “Tarzan” delivers a powerful message that true family provides unconditional love, not just biology.

Performing this full scale musical production will be over 70 local children age 8 to 17 years. The role of Tarzan is played by Tanner Wink. Madisen Schenk portrays Jane. In the role of young Tarzan is Brody Cahill, with Tarzan’s biological parents played by Sami-Kay Mergy and Bryson Hummell and the apes who became his adoptive parents played by Sydeny Schertzer as Kala and Wyatt Wells as Kerchak. Playing the role of Tarzan’s sarcastic and lovable ape friend Terk, is Tyreece Harris as well as Carter Rawlins as young Terk.

Featuring heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, “Tarzan” is teeming with hits, like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” as well as “Son of Man,” “Two Worlds” and “Everything That I Am.”

Additional cast members include Carson Bollinger as Porter, Jia Radloff as Clayton, Brady Wink as Snipes, Delaney Tabbert as Leopard, Julian Bishop Johnson, Brooklynn Short, Macie Snyder and Isaiah Wasserbeck as the Expedition Crew. Rounding out the cast as the Ape Ensemble will be Mallori Ballenger, Hailey Baker, Emmaly Bennett, Madisen Blankenship, Gabby Cametti, Madelyn Cheney, Emma Childes, Isabelle Combs, Abby Coyan, Macyn Danals, Morgan Elliott, Reagan Fitsko, Jaylyn Fogle, Aaron French, Alea French, Tierza Hart, La ‘Va’ Ea Hendel, Liam Honey, Kennedy Hummel, Reagan Hummel, Abby Isler, Kylie Klaiber, Jules Lacher, Alexander Lisiecki, Mateusz Lisiecki, Quinn Menzie, Zane Menzie, Eva Monahan, Landon Moore, Ariana Osborne, Chase Osborne, Eden Osborne, Elise Osborne, Kylee Parsell, Sarah Perkins, Avery Petrie, Katie Richards, Pippa Rothermel, Alexis Ruth, Sophia Ruth, Halli Schenk, Katie Shoaf, Heather Shoffner, Emiley Shuster, Audrey Simon, Anna Songer, Shelby Stimson, Meleah Tway, Ashley Watkins, Gabrielle Williams and Conner Ziegler.

Under the direction of Kristi Wink the “Tarzan” artistic team includes Choreographer Sadie Wink, Vocal Director & Conductor Ann Schertzer, Costume Design Susan Wenig, Assistant to the Director April Short, Producer Clare Cooke, Set Construction and Design Mike Andrews and Adam Radloff, Set Design Consultant Andrea Johnston, Rehearsal Pianist Dee Ehrman, Stage Manager Barb Yaksic, Assistant Stage Manager Rhonda Arnold and Assistant Jr. Stage Managers Macie Snyder and Ashley Watkins.

In addition to the show, patrons can join Tarzan’s Tea Party before Sunday’s afternoon performance. Participants will get autographs and have photos taken with the stars of the show while enjoying a kid-friendly luncheon with finger sandwiches, sides and drinks. Tea Party tickets are $6. Show tickets must be purchased separately. Tickets to “Tarzan” are reserved seating $18 adults, $12 children age 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the Palace Theatre Box Office, 276 W. Center St. in downtown Marion or by phone 740/383-2101 during box office hours (9:00am-5:00pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri). Tickets are also available online www.marionpalace.org.

“Tarzan” is sponsored by Jim & Barb Greetham and funded by the Ohio Arts Council. Media sponsor Magic 95.9. “Tarzan” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Marion Palace Theatre Box Office at 740-383-2101 or visit www.marionpalace.org.