Simply de-vine
‘Tarzan’ swings for the fences, in Newport
Story & photos by Breeana Laughlin
For the TODAY
The jungle has come to the Oregon Coast thanks to the latest play by Coastal Act Productions, “Tarzan.”
Based on the Disney film, the play swings on stage at the Newport Performing Arts Center every Friday and Saturday through March 12.
The musical brings together performers of all ages who light up the stage. singing and dancing in bright costumes against an elaborate jungle-themed backdrop, all set to award-winning music performed by a live orchestra.
“It is a very high energy show,” said Cameron Garner, a Newport resident who plays the adult Tarzan. “It takes you on an emotional roller coaster in some ways because there are some sad points and some really ecstatic points. Going up and down with the show is part of the ride and part of the excitement.”
The play has heart-pumping music written by rock legend Phil Collins, with book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang.
“It seemed like a really great show to come out of the pandemic with,” CAP Founder and Artistic Director Jody Hanna said. “It has really great music and is a story that's very familiar to people.”
Audience members will watch local actors and actresses bring to life the story of the infant boy who washed up on the shores of East Africa and was raised by gorillas. They will witness an entire pack of gorillas dance and sing on stage, Tarzan flying in and out of the set and Jane, played by Anna Hart, getting stuck in a spider's web. Audiences are also likely to get warm fuzzies as they experience the awkward yet endearing moments when Tarzan and Jane first meet.
“I love the music and I love how fun the show is, but I also love the message,” Hart said. “There is a lot of heart and a lot of emotion. So I think there is something relatable for everyone. For me, it's all about family and learning what's most important to us.”
Tarzan has been on Hanna’s list of potential performances for the past five years. She decided to move forward with it this year.
“It seemed like a simpler show to come back to,” she said. “Once the set is built you don't have to move it on and off the stage. People in the cast only have to wear one costume. Then in true fashion, it got a little out of control and the set got bigger and bigger. Now it is more epic than I envisioned in the first place.”
Though cast members will not be changing costumes during the play, Hanna said she didn't realize everything that goes into making costumes for an entire pack of gorillas.
“That was a lot more work than I think we bargained for,” she said. “We used 130 yards of black knit fabric to make those costumes.”
Asia Richardson is in the play with her two daughters and plays Kala, the mama gorilla who finds and raises Tarzan.
“It is a fun role for me because I get to be kind of the mama bear that I am in real life,” she said.
The role of Kerchak is played by Gary Herd of Waldport, who also makes his theatrical performances into a family affair. The seasoned-actor and craftsman performs in the play with his teenage son Alex.
“I am super happy and thrilled with the entire casting of the show,” Gary said, adding that he's excited to bring community theater back to Newport. “I think everyone has made each part of the show incredible. I hope that audiences get immersed in the jungle and forget that they are sitting in the auditorium. I want them to feel like it's real.”
The last Coastal Act Productions’ performance was “Cinderella,” which wrapped in March of 2020.
“A week later the entire world shut down,” Hanna said. “Since then, we had been pushing it back and wondering when we can do anything. We wondered if the pandemic was over enough and would people come to see it?”
Finally, Hanna and her colleagues considered whether it was time to press forward with a performance.
“We really just felt like people needed to laugh again and people needed to get out to enjoy their community again,” she said. “We have all had a lot of stress and anxiety in our lives these last couple of years. I had a personal tragedy in my life last fall and I realized I have to do something that soothes my soul and brings joy back into my life.”
So the decision was made to take the leap and move forward.
“People came out and registered and auditioned and we put together this really amazing, beautiful show,” Hanna said. “I really hope people come out and see it.”
Showtimes for Tarzan are 7 pm on Fridays, and 2 and 7 pm on Saturdays through Saturday, March 12. Tickets are $16.50 for adults and $14.50 for students and seniors. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W. Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.