Overview
Synopsis
On the shores of West Africa, a baby boy is orphaned when his shipwrecked parents become the victims of a fierce leopard. He is taken in and raised by a family of gorillas who have recently lost their own baby to the same predator. They name him Tarzan, and he grows up as one of the pack. However, his foster father, Kerchak remains wary of having a human in the jungle. When an expedition of human explorers and naturalists enter the jungle, Tarzan encounters creatures like himself for the first time. As he learns about human life and grows increasingly enamoured of Jane, a young naturalist, Tarzan begins to realize that they are not so different. However, Tarzan and Jane’s relationship threatens the safety of the gorillas and the couple must decide where they truly belong. With a book by David Henry Hwang and music by Phil Collins, Disney’s celebrated animated adventure Tarzan receives the Broadway treatment.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone, Bass-Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
Act One
- "Two Worlds" – Tarzan, Mother, Father, Kala, Kerchak, and Ensemble
- "You'll Be In My Heart" – Kala and Ensemble
- "Jungle Funk" – Ensemble
- "Who Better Than Me?" – Young Tarzan and Terk
- "No Other Way" – Kerchak
- "I Need to Know" – Young Tarzan
- "Son of Man" – Terk, Kala, Tarzan, and Ensemble
- "Son of Man (Reprise)" – Terk and Ensemble
- "Sure As Sun Turns to Moon" – Kala and Kerchak
- "Waiting for This Moment" – Jane and Ensemble
- "Different" – Tarzan and Jane
Act Two
- "Trashin' the Camp" – Terk and Ensemble
- "Like No Man I've Ever Seen" – Jane and Professor Porter
- "Strangers Like Me" – Tarzan, Jane, and Ensemble
- "For the First Time" – Jane and Tarzan
- "Who Better Than Me? (Reprise)" – Terk and Tarzan
- "Everything That I Am" – Tarzan, Kala, Young Tarzan, and Ensemble
- "You'll Be In My Heart (Reprise)" – Tarzan and Kala
- "Sure As Sun Turns to Moon (Reprise)" – Kala and Tarzan
- "Two Worlds (Finale)" – Tarzan, Jane, and Ensemble
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A musical with a well-structured narrative that integrates songs, dialogue, and dance to advance plot and character development.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher