Barter Theatre Presents TARZAN, Beginning 9/14

Follow along as a young orphan boy is adopted by Kala, a loving ape mother. Kala only sees the similarities she and Tarzan share. Tarzan’s ape father, Kercheck, can only see the differences. As Kala, Tarzan's best friend Terk and the rest of the apes teach Tarzan how to survive, Tarzan can't help but long for the acceptance of Kercheck. 

When a group of humans enter the world of the apes as part of a research expedition, Tarzan meets Jane, a kind and caring woman. Trouble ensues as Tarzan struggles to find his true place in the world. Does he belong with his kind, the humans, and the woman he loves? Or does he stay with his real family: the mother who loves him, his friend Terk and the rest of his ape tribe? Will the humans reject the instincts to dominate, take captive and destroy that which is beautiful? 

With almost the entire Barter Theatre Resident Acting Company in the show, you’ll see some of your favorite actors like you’ve never seen them before.

Sean Campos, who brought the fearsome, yet truly lovable Beast of “Beauty and the Beast” to life last year; as well as the M.C. in “Cabaret,” steps into the role of Tarzan. Hannah Ingram, who played the fun-loving Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” will play the ape mother, Kala. Nick Koesters—the chauvinistic boss in “9 to 5: The Musical” will play Kercheck, the ape father. Holly Williams is cast as Jane, and Stephen Scott Wormley will portray Tarzan’s best friend and mentor, Terk. Williams and Wormley play opposite one another in Barter's"Zombie Prom," also playing this fall. 

Alex VanBuren, a seventh grader from Johnson City, Tenn., is excited to be cast as Young Tarzan for  his Barter Theatre debut. Also excited about his Barter debut is Teddy Pillion, a second grader from Abingdon, Va. Ginny Osborne (4^th grade), and Virginia Pillion (age 10) have played in previous Barter Theatre productions including "Annie" in 2010 and round out the youth ensemble.