Tarzan the Stage Musical Review (Melbourne 2025)
Summary: While not the King of the Musicals, Tarzan the Stage Musical at the National Theatre in Melbourne swings very close to becoming one of my favourites of the year!
4
Swinging High
Tarzan swings into Melbourne for an exclusive season at The National Theatre in St Kilda with Tarzan – The Stage Musical, bringing Disney’s 1999 animated classic to life in a breathtaking blend of aerial choreography, clever staging, and Phil Collins’ legendary Oscar-winning score, particularly the unforgettable “You’ll Be in My Heart.” Disney Theatrical Productions adapted the story for Broadway in 2006, with a book by Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang to help create this live theatrical spectacular, now making its Australian debut.
The Australian staging is produced by the Green Room Award-winning James Terry Collective and helmed by an accomplished creative team: direction from Alister Smith (Elvis: A Musical Revolution), high-energy choreography by Michael Ralph (The Wedding Singer), and musical direction from Claire Healy (SIX the Musical).
Leading the Melbourne cast, Joshua Russell trades the velvet glamour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical for bare feet and vine-swinging stunts as Tarzan. Opposite him, rising talent Emily Robinson flawlessly steps into the adventurous shoes of Jane Porter, bringing fresh charm to the role. Sarah Murr (Hadestown, & Juliet) lends warmth and vocal power as Kala, the gorilla who raises Tarzan as her own, while Joti Van Carlos Gore (Disney’s Frozen) commands the stage as the formidable Kerchak, leader of the tribe. Adding perfect comic timing, Trent Owers (Titaniqué) delights as Tarzan’s best friend, Terk. Drew Holmes (Kinky Boots) is the almost bumbling yet kindhearted Professor Porter, with Nick Eynaud (Sweeney Todd) as the nefarious and over-the-top hunter Clayton.
Narratively, Tarzan – The Stage Musical follows a young boy orphaned on the shores of West Africa, raised by a tribe of gorillas after his parents are killed by the leopard Sabor. Named Tarzan by his adoptive mother Kala, he struggles to gain acceptance in the tribe until he encounters the beautiful Jane Porter on an expedition. Sebastian Dovey Cribbes played the young Tarzan and received a thunderous roar from the crowd; he shares this role with Daniel Lim. As Tarzan learns of his human heritage and falls in love, he finds himself, like the song, torn between “Two Worlds.” His new love, Jane, shares this feeling. The love between his adoptive gorilla parents, Kerchak and Kala, is also a strong theme, with Tarzan always seeking his adoptive father’s approval.
Besides the amazing aerialists and acrobatics, the music of Tarzan is a highlight, with the cast and ensemble delivering powerful renditions of the hits from the film. My only complaint is that at times, it seemed that the music overpowered some of the singing. Further supporting the stage production was the clever use of lighting and stage props to create the jungles of Africa, including projecting images on the screen, such as the one that showed Tarzan’s real parents’ ship crash into the coast. All in all, the performance came together very well, with the standout performances being Joshua Russell, Sarah Murr, Joti Van Carlos Gore, and newcomer Emily Robinson.
The ensemble features Simon Fairweather (Sister Act The Musical), Brittany Ford (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), and Josephine Lopes (West Side Story), along with Callum Marshall, Sammy Allsop, Liimei Lim, Matilda Simmons, Adriana Pannuzzo, Emma Wilby, Nicholas Dugdale, Gabriel Marsilli, Arjun Tiwari, Ayril Borce, Patrick Friedlander, and Issy Fox.
Final Thoughts
With a strictly limited season, Tarzan – The Stage Musical is full of heart, adventure, and the blockbuster songs of Phil Collins that will leave you swinging and singing for more. If you’re a fan of vibrant musicals or the original, Tarzan – The Stage Musical is a must.
Gallery
www.tarzanstagemusical.com.au
Tarzan The Stage Musical Season Details
Venue: The National Theatre, St Kilda Season
Dates: August 29 – September 7
Prices: From $65.00 (booking fees apply)
Bookings: www.tarzanstagemusical.com.au
Interviews
Joshua Russell Interview (Tarzan the Stage Musical)
Emily Robinson Interview (Tarzan the Stage Musical)
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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