Joshua Russell Interview (Tarzan the Stage Musical)
TARZAN – The Stage Musical brings Disney’s epic animated film to life on stage in a high-flying action adventure, complete with aerial choreography and unforgettable music by Phil Collins — including the Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” “Son of Man,” “Two Worlds,” and all the hits from the iconic film that opens this week in Melbourne! We catch-up with Joshua Russell who plays none other than the Lord of the Jungle himself, Tarzan!
Welcome to Impulse Gamer Joshua! So tell us, how do you prepare physically and mentally for a role as demanding as Tarzan, which requires both intense physicality and a deep emotional connection to the character’s journey?
Tarzan’s story is one of strength, family, loss, and ultimately love — and his physicality is inseparable from his emotional journey. Preparing for this role has been a full-body commitment. The physical demands alone are intense: singing and acting while embodying Tarzan’s gorilla-inspired movements, performing acrobatics, and executing aerial stunts is no small feat. My preparation has meant conditioning my body for both strength and flexibility, fuelling it with the right nutrition, and building the stamina to sustain that energy night after night. Mentally, it’s about staying adaptable and present — ready for anything, just as Tarzan must be. That’s where the rehearsal process is invaluable, allowing me to explore the character’s emotional depth while ensuring I can meet the role’s physical challenges with confidence and authenticity.
What was the biggest challenge in bringing the iconic, “ape-like” physicality of Tarzan to the stage while also singing and performing complex choreography?
One of the greatest challenges has been balancing the physicality of Tarzan with the vocal demands of Phil Collins’ incredible score. We spent time in dedicated workshops studying gorilla movement — learning how to carry that grounded, powerful energy into every scene. But the real test comes when those movements meet the music. Singing high, sustained notes while moving on all fours or leaping into choreography is a whole new level of stamina and control. It’s a constant dance between strength, agility, and vocal precision — and that’s exactly what makes bringing Tarzan to life so thrilling
Tarzan’s journey is one of self-discovery and finding his place in the world. What aspects of this journey resonated most with you personally?
As a kid, I was always outside — climbing trees, exploring, and feeling completely at home in nature. That sense of freedom and connection to the outdoors has stayed with me, so stepping into Tarzan’s world feels incredibly natural. Now, I get to channel that childhood joy and curiosity into the role every night and quite literally climbing, swinging, and leaping as part of the performance — is not only thrilling, it’s a wonderful reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
Can you talk about the aerial work required for the role and what that experience has been like?
The aerial work is one of the most exhilarating parts of the role. We’re incredibly fortunate to have an amazing aerial team who handle everything — from the intricate rigging to the training, safety, and conditioning that make it all possible. Their expertise allows me to fully commit to the performance, knowing I’m in the best hands. It is a lot of fun and you’ll definitely see Tarzan swinging about!
How do you balance portraying the wild, untamed nature of Tarzan with his growing understanding of the human world through his relationship with Jane?
Tarzan begins as an outsider, driven by a deep instinct to belong. His way of connecting to the world is through curiosity. He is always learning, observing, and communicating in the ape language, which blends physical expression with sound. That’s his foundation. But when he meets Jane, everything changes. His curiosity doesn’t fade; it deepens. Through his love for her, that drive to understand becomes more urgent and personal. It’s no longer just about surviving in his world — it’s about bridging two worlds and truly connecting. Balancing that raw, untamed spirit with his emotional awakening is one of the most rewarding challenges of playing him.
The score by Phil Collins is so recognizable. What is it like to perform songs like “You’ll Be In My Heart” and “Son of Man” live?
For me, performing Phil Collins’ music in Tarzan is pure nostalgia. I grew up listening to the soundtrack on tape over and over, so stepping on stage and singing songs like You’ll Be In My Heart and Strangers like me, feels like reconnecting with a piece of my childhood. There’s such warmth and familiarity in this score, and I know audiences will experience that same rush of recognition — that feeling of being transported back to the first time they heard these songs and fell in love with them.
What’s your favorite part about getting to portray a character who is so deeply connected to nature and his “family” of apes?
One of my favourite parts of playing Tarzan is how deeply he’s connected to nature — something I’ve always related to. I’ve got a bit of a green thumb and have always loved being outdoors, so stepping into his world feels wonderfully natural. There’s also a real playfulness in Tarzan’s interactions, which I get to explore every day with my fellow cast members. Over the course of this production, our company has truly become a family, and that bond is reflected in the work you’ll see on stage. It’s such a joyful show to be part of, and I think audiences will feel that connection from the moment the curtain rises.
What did you learn from your prior experience in shows like Moulin Rouge! The Musical that you’ve been able to apply to this role?
Working on shows like Moulin Rouge! The Musical solidified the endurance, rigour, and discipline it takes to sustain a high-energy performance night after night. I covered two of the leading roles, Christian and The Duke, where I could practice how to pace myself — physically, vocally, and emotionally — so I could give my all in every show. Those lessons have been invaluable for Tarzan, which demands just as much stamina but in a completely different way. Here, the challenge is combining that same level of performance discipline with the raw, physical storytelling that defines Tarzan’s world.
How has the cast and creative team helped you develop your version of Tarzan?
We have an incredible creative team who have given us such wonderful freedom to bring our own interpretations to these characters. That trust has allowed me to explore and shape my version of Tarzan in a way that feels authentic and personal. The entire cast is deeply committed to their roles — everyone is giving their all to create a world that feels truthful within the magic of musical theatre. There’s also a real sense of play in the rehearsal room, especially in scenes with Jane (Emily Robinson), where that lightness and connection shines through. It’s a rare gift to be part of a company where the collaboration is this strong, and I think audiences will feel that energy on stage.
What do you hope the audience will take away from your performance and the show as a whole?
What’s so special about Tarzan is that there truly is something in it for everyone — whether you grew up with the story or are discovering it for the first time. At its heart, the show explores themes we’ve all experienced in some way: love, loss, family, belonging. Those are universal, and I think audiences of all ages will find moments that resonate deeply with them. My hope is that people walk away not only entertained, but also feeling a genuine connection to the story and the characters.
For more information or to buy tickets, please visit https://tarzanstagemusical.com.au/
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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