Tarzan the Musical - Our Valley Events

Pam/Mom

Our 9-year-old pointed to a show poster and said earnestly “I want to try out for that!”

“Great!” I replied. With no musical theater experience, I was certain soul-crushing rejection would follow.

She didn’t get the part, but on her next try, she got a part and won a Wings Award. And that’s what started it. Almost seven years and many auditions later, Janie has been in 13 shows, and has loved every minute.

Our family is thrilled to be part of Grissom High School’s production of Tarzan the Stage Musical. Based on the Disney film, with heart pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins, it’s a fun show for kids of all ages. Janie is playing “Jane,” and my husband Brad and our daughter Christy are playing in the orchestra. I’m having a great time helping with costumes, painting sets, and organizing Breakfast with Tarzan.

Janie

From my very first show, I have loved being on the stage. Looking out at the audience, I’m filled with confidence and energy, knowing that everyone’s hard work and preparation has come together.

I’m thrilled to be playing the part of Jane Porter in Tarzan the Musical. Jane’s very feisty and adventurous, but also has a more curious and reserved side. It’s so exciting to be playing a character that so many people are familiar with.

Working towards a goal with my Grissom Fine Arts friends creates a strong bond between us, and by the end of the process we are one big family. The atmosphere is full-time positivity, and there is never a dull moment.

The rehearsals can be challenging, but it’s definitely worth the work. The feeling of accomplishment each night when the show is over is unbelievable. I’ve made so many friends in musical theater shows and memories that will last a lifetime.

Christy

This is my fifth musical, and I’ve been both on stage and in the orchestra pit. Either way, it is great because the end result is a fantastic show that you helped to create.

My first musical was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where I played 20 different percussion instruments in the pit. This year, for Tarzan, my dad and I, and my friend Katie Smith get to play 36 different instruments!

Since it is a jungle-y show, there are many weird instruments that I had never heard of before. Phil Collins put a huge array of exotic instruments in the score, such as the caxixi, which is like a small basket filled with beads and covered with a coconut shell. Plus many others, like a talking drum, surdo, djun djun, djembe, and more.

As a senior, this is my last GHS musical and it will be filled with so many cool memories…and I will never forget how much fun it is.

Brad/Dad

I come from a musical family, and my parents always encouraged me to find music that I loved, because I could enjoy it for the rest of my life. After seven frustrating years of piano lessons, I switched to percussion and never looked back. I met my bride in the Ole Miss Rebel Band, and now…I’m playing drums and accompanying our two talented daughters. Life is good.

I enjoy playing musicals because it’s an intense 3-4 month commitment, and then you simply close the book, rewarded with great memories.

Each member of our family works for weeks on different things for the show, and it’s a blessing to see it all come together when the curtain opens each night.

The one drawback? I never get to see the show from the audience perspective, and worse, I usually can’t turn around and watch my daughters perform. But what a great memory! Yes, I’m a proud dad…

Pam/Mom

In addition to the fine arts programs at Grissom, our family has found so many creative outlets in the community…Huntsville Community Chorus Association’s Children’s Chorale and Youth Chorale, Huntsville Ballet School, Independent Musical Productions, Ars Nova, Fantasy Playhouse, Summer Show-offs, Twickenham Winds, Redstone Brass, Percussive Artistry and First Christian Church.

Our girls have learned that great results come from individual effort, teamwork, a sense of humor, and a lot of prayer.

Behind the scenes, volunteers transform fabric, scrap lumber, paper bags and cardboard into beautiful costumes and scenery. Directors coax amazing performances out of ordinary kids.

After months of preparation, opening night finally arrives. The lights go down, the music swells and everything else fades away. There’s always a moment when I’m filled with emotion, remembering how fortunate we are to be part of this busy, wonderful experience, making memories together as a family.

More Information: Grissom Theatre presents Tarzan the Musical

Breakfast with Tarzan

When: Saturday, Feb. 21
What Time: 8 am – 10:30 am
Where: First Christian Church 3209 Whitesburg Drive South, Huntsville, AL 35802
Tickets available online.

Tarzan® – The Stage Musical, Based on the Disney Film

When: Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 15
Where: Grissom High School Theatre 7901 Bailey Cove Road SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
All seating is reserved. Tickets available online.

All photos by Visual Narrator Cindy Wagner – www.wagnerphotographics.com & www.3andahalfmuses.com.