Tarzan Swings into Town Next Month

BRADENTON – The Manatee Players’ production of Disney’s Tarzan Opens at the Manatee Performing Arts Center on Thursday August 7. It will be the area premier of this family-friendly musical that plays through Sunday August 24.

Based on Disney's epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough's Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang.

High-flying excitement and hits like the Academy Award-winning "You'll Be in My Heart" as well as "Son of Man" and "Two Worlds" make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan's life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe's territory and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time.

Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.

Starring as ‘Tarzan’ is Brian Kleinschmidt, best known as a contestant on CBS’s The Amazing Race: Season 15. Playing ‘Jane’ is Sarah Cassidy, who starred as ‘Fantine’ in last season’s hit production of Les Miserables and ‘Princess Fiona’ in Shrek. The show is being directed and choreographed by Rick Kerby with Rick Bogner as musical director.

Performances are Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $27-$37 including facility fee for adults, $15-$18 including facility fee for teachers and $13-$16 including facility fee for students.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 941-748-5875 Monday –Friday from 9-5 and one hour before curtain on performance days or on the Manatee Players’ website: www.manateeplayers.com. All performances are at the Manatee Performing Arts Center at 502 3rd Avenue West in downtown Bradenton.