Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School

On the weekend of March 24-26, the award-winning Tower Players of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School will present the rollicking, family-friendly musical Tarzan at the RFH auditorium.

Adapted for the stage from Disney’s epic animated adventure — and based on the popular characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs — the musical show features high-flying excitement as well as heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins, with a score that includes the Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart” as well as “Son of Man,” “Two Worlds,” and “Strangers Like Me.”

Brennan Hughes and Liam Hughes respectively portray the younger and adult versions of Tarzan, the born-into-nobility orphan who is taken in and raised by a gorilla named Kala (Rachel Makstein) who tries

her hardest to protect him, while her husband and tribal leader, Kerchak (Calvin Bruno) believes that the outsider from the world of humans is a danger and a menace to the entire tribe. Tarzan finds understanding and friendship with another young outcast gorilla named Turk (Jake Rallo), and they support one another as they grow older and stronger.

Tarzan’s life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters an expedition of humans, creatures like himself, in the form of animal-loving academics Jane (Bailey Newsome), her dad Porter (Michael Bogardus), and their cruel guide Clayton (Josh Beacher). The tension between the human and animal worlds only causes more confusion as Tarzan’s animal upbringing clashes mightily with his human instincts.

The RFH Tower Players ensemble cast (directed by Suzanne Sweeney, assisted by KasiAnn Sweeney) features students portraying island spirits, gorillas, butterflies, flowers, and birds. High-energy numbers (under the music direction of Amy Fredericks) will include such feats as the butterflies climbing silks and performing acrobatics while hovering above the stage. The gorillas will perform acrobatically as well, with Jen Costa directing the show’s choreography.

Audience members can also expect a stunningly beautiful set featuring all colors of the rainbow. Set and Technical Director is Matt Leddin, and Play Production Coordinator is Stefania Flecca.

Performances of Disney’s Tarzan are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 26. The always-popular café will be open an hour before each performance and

during intermission.

Tickets ($10 general admission, $6 for students and seniors) can be purchased by visiting the school’s website, rumsonfairhaven.org. Admission is free for RFH students with SGA cards. For additional information about purchasing tickets, please contact Stefania Flecca at sflecca@rumsonfairhaven.org.