TARZAN Swings Into Hearts in the Lowcountry at Seahawk Cultural Center

Written by Erin Laytham Lentz

"With every ending comes a new beginning," is a thematic message woven throughout the hit musical, Tarzan, performed by 36 Hilton Head Christian Academy students at the island's Seahawk Cultural Center.

For HHCA, this resounding moral resonates beyond the context of the Disney-inspired tale and touches hearts.

The school recently announced exciting plans for growth by relocating the campus to Bluffton in 2019. Among the cast members include eight graduating seniors who have had a significant role in impacting the theatre department.

The student body will also bid a teary farewell to their revered, former Drama Director and teacher, Rhonda Stones. Tarzan marks her final HHCA production that she will assist in directing. Tarzan's strong emphasis on 'family' parallels the tight-knit theatre family that has evolved within the HHCA Drama Department, demonstrated in their relationships and bonds that extend beyond the school's walls.

The upperclassmens' ongoing friendships and mentoring is highly evident in the evolution of the younger students and their growth in the performing arts. For the cast, these emotional elements have created a deeper connection with the script and with their individual characters.

When asked what one knows about the man called Tarzan many refer to it as, "A man nurtured by apes." Based on Disney's epic, animated musical adventure, Tarzan features the heart-pumping musical hits, "You'll Be In My Heart" as well as "Son of Man" and "Two Worlds." Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas. The jungle hero, Tarzan, encounters creatures like himself for the first time while on expedition. He struggles to navigate the jungle as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.

Leading the talented cast are: Tarzan (Zach Whitton) and Jane (Jacey Robinson) along with Kerchak (Cameron Qualls), Kala (Olivia Williams), Terk (Elliott Lentz), Young Tarzan (Christian Becker), Young Terk (Madison Maccabe), Porter (Josh Moriarty) and Clayton (John Carter Cross). The Leopard (Sarah Ogren), is also the show's Dance Captain. Supporting roles include: Mother (Samantha Norton, Father (Bryce Warthen and Snipes (Ty Robinson).

The full cast is comprised of 6th through 12th grade students and includes ballet dancers and veteran actors in the local theatres.

"We've had a couple of really successful years with our shows, " remarked DIrector Michelle McElroy, "Tarzan is so different from anything we've ever done."

As with her previous seasons' showstoppers, Beauty and The Beast and Guys and Dolls, Tarzan will include a 16-18 piece, full orchestra pit under the musical direction of James Berry. According to Berry, it is one of the more difficult musical scores, filled with many key changes and harmonies. The catchy, Phil Collins tunes are characterized as more pop than traditional Broadway.

McElroy has not shyed away from the challenges that come with producing an ambitious production. On the contrary, she relishes the personal opportunity to set the bar higher each year. Among the intricacies of Tarzan was the costuming, which proved tedious and required handmade designs by an array of students, parents and the help of many hot glue guns. The cast is largely comprised of animal characters and rather than using a literal interpretation, McElroy went for a more sophisticated, tribal look.

The production team would not be complete without acclaimed choreographers, Patti and Cassie Mauer, who incorporate ballet, gymnastics and tap dancing into the two-act musical. Arts Centre Set Designer Mayes Hopkins has brilliantly transformed the Seahawk stage into a jungle that will transcend the audience's imagination. Lighting designer John Dowbiggin provides cool lighting effects for added realism. Zach Conrad, Tarzan stage manager, has coordinated the support of the director, actors and crew throughout the production process.

Tarzan showtimes are Thursday, March 16th at 7pm, Friday, March 17th at 7pm, Saturday, March 18th at 2pm, Saturday, March 18th at 7pm. at The Seahawk Cultural Center ( 70 Wilburn Rd. on Hilton Head) For tickets, visit hhcadrama.eventbrite.com.