Tarzan
at Orange Lutheran High School

Reviewed on November 1, 2014

Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Orange Lutheran's 'Tarzan' is a 'Swinging' Good Time

It's a jungle out there — especially for Tarzan, who must face the constant threat of encroaching hunters and a fierce jaguar. But this ape-man's story is not about survival of the fittest, it is about the survival of love and family. Orange Lutheran's production of "Tarzan" reverberates with this universal message of love that reaches beyond the human world and into the animal kingdom.

At the heart of this tale is the blossoming love between the primitive Tarzan and the prim-and-proper Jane. As their worlds collide, Tarzan must discover who he really is and where he truly belongs.

Mia Battaglia leaps, crawls and jumps as Young Tarzan, finding a youthful, boyish energy with her nimble movements and curious facial expressions. The transition from her character to the much older Tarzan (Anthony Skillman) appears effortless, facilitated by their shared ape-like mannerisms. Skillman subtly portrays Tarzan's shift from brutish to civilized, gradually standing taller and straighter in each and every scene.

However, Tarzan's greatest change is seen through his affections towards Jane (Audrey Bivens). His quick, animalistic movements turn tender and subdued whenever he is near her ever-present smile. Adding to their quirky dynamic, Bivens' consistent British accent humorously contrasts with Skillman's incoherent grunts. Yet, this unlikely duo proves to be harmonious in "For the First Time," in which Bivens' soaring soprano range perfectly complements Skillman's powerful vibrato.

Kala (Amanda Dayhoff) impresses too with her warm, silky tone in "You'll Be in My Heart." Her voice remains as unwavering as her maternal protection of Tarzan. Also protective of Tarzan is Terk (Jeremy Thulemeyer), who keeps every moment onstage lively and entertaining with his animated voice and buoyant physicality. Thulemeyer exhibits impressive stamina, never getting out of breath despite his continuous, energetic activity.

With cunning manipulation and booming commands, Clayton (Charlie Battaglia) earns his spot as the principal antagonist. Battaglia's cold, villainous stare reveals the true barbarity of this greedy character.

But the jungle would not be complete without its ensemble of apes and forest dancers, both of whom set the optimistic tone of the show with passionate spins and turns. These characters stay rhythmic and cohesive as they blend together in the finale, bringing Tarzan's "Two Worlds" together as one.

In this wildly successful production, Orange Lutheran's colorful cast of characters delight with an infectious charm, and of course, a little monkey business.

Melanie Miller
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Orange Lutheran swings into the Hearts of Many with "Tarzan"

Orange Lutheran accentuates the necessity for love and family with their own rendition of "Tarzan" capturing the essence of humanity through heart-warming songs with stunning vocals and ethereal dancing.

Brayden Martino and Sarah Pierce open the show with compelling voices and affectionate body language as Father and Mother to display their love for each other and their son. Tragedy hits the family when Jaguar (Allie Thompson) hunts the parents with her sly and precise movements embracing the feline characterization.

Kala (Amanda Dayhoff) stumbles upon the orphaned son, Tarzan, and embraces him into her family with mesmerizing notes and her striking voice. Her maternal tones portrayed the maturity and denotation of a faithful and caring mother in "You'll Be in My Heart. Her husband, Kerchek (Jack Whitaker), commands the stage using his authoritative voice, fearless to all other characters. Whitaker and Dayhoff captivating performance magnifies the importance of a strong family unit.

Young Tarzan (Mia Battaglia) adds a playful mood to the show. With excitement in each step, Battaglia uses youthful facial expressions and movements to show her curiosity of the world around her. Young Tarzan's loyal companion, Terk (Jeremy Thulemeyer) illustrates individuality by embracing his differences. Thulemeyer comical actions and sensational voice exemplifies a charming character and friend.

The incredible performance of , "Son of Man", introduces Anthony Skillman as Tarzan. Skillman flawlessly embodies the image of Tarzan with his ape-like movements, remarkable character development, and angelic voice. Hitting every note, Skillman's astonishing stage presence produces an emotionally compelling character who highlights the theme of love creating a realistic image of humanity on stage.

Tarzan's inspiration, Jane (Audrey Bivens), uses her props to add comedic actions illustrating her inquisitiveness for the jungle. She seamlessly harmonizes with Skillman in the jaw-dropping melody, "For the First Time". Her marvelous talent to sing with an accent creates an unforgettable role.

Her father, Porter (Niles Lopshire), whimsically walks around the stage to enhance the youthful connection with Jane. Clayton (Charlie Battaglia), Porter's partner, commands the stage and attracts attention with his stern and dominant projection.

The ape and jungle ensemble completes the picture of a lively yet mysterious jungle by finding small activities to keep character and organized choreography creates a unique wildness image.

Orange Lutheran's amazing rendition of "Tarzan" displays the importance of family through an incredible and unforgettable performance.

Sabrina Thompson
Pacifica High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

You cannot esc[APE] the fun at Orange Lutheran's Tarzan

The bond a family shares is one not easily broken. In Orange Lutheran's production of Tarzan, ape or human, family is a force to be reckoned with. Led by Anthony Skillman as Tarzan and Audrey Bivens as Jane, the Disney classic is brought to life in a spectacular display of drama and music.

Swinging from set piece to set piece the high physical demands of the show do not stop the energy of the cast. Hanging about, and generally monkeying around, the ape ensemble brings playfulness to the stage. As the apes' fearless leader Kerchak, Jack Whitaker uses his commanding voice and stature to take control of his tribe. The more humanistic side of the apes' leader is seen whenever he is with his wife Kala. Kala is Amanda Dayhoff's representation of what a mother's love is like. Dayhoff's impressive vocal range and her ability to display emotion through each word are a testament to how far a mother will go to protect her young child.

Mirroring Kala's care for Tarzan is Jane Porter, a young woman accompanying her father, Professor Porter, and greedy guide Clayton on their expedition through the jungle. Once Jane meets Tarzan, and becomes rather smitten, she will do anything to protect her new friend. Audrey Bivens is delightful as she stumbles through the forest set. Bivens's genuine excitement for the world she is discovering, and her kindness towards Tarzan demonstrates the connections people share. Biven's English accent never fades, much like her compassion for Tarzan.

Tarzan knows he is not like others. That doesn't stop him from searching and wondering who he is. Anthony Skillman is the grown Tarzan. Skillman's vocal range and melodious voice pull the emotion out of song's like Everything That I Am, and For The First Time. As Tarzan discovers who he is, Skillman forms a man, rather than "ape man" onstage, standing straighter, and moving more like a human, and less like an ape. The young Tarzan is energetic and curious and Mia Battaglia portrays him as such. Battaglia jumps and moves about like a young ape who is excited by the world around him.

Tarzan is the tale of a young man raised by apes. In Orange Lutheran's production of this Disney classic it is much more. It is the story of family and love.