As we glide into another section of amazing actors and actresses that have made this production amazing – let’s talk about the amazing sounds that accompanied this musical.

Music Serving as Guide Through the Jungle of Life and Realizations

The complete soundtrack of this musical has so many musical numbers, I never knew were attached to this musical and are 100% catchy / will draw you in. From “You’ll Be in My Heart” to “Who Better Than Me”, to “For the First Time”, to “I Need to Know”, the ability of the cast’s voice, with the amazing clarity and succinct quality of the musicians- it is inspirational and is a great partnership that makes this musical magical.

Kudos to the following members that made this music come alive:

Art Henry

Sara Dawson

Alex Hartman (You can’t mistake the heartbeat of the jungle through the drums).

Conor Wiedmann

Anna Ramon

Josh Getka

Stacey Hartman

Phoebe Marvel

Blayne Salemi

Danielle Jones

The family of musicians with the family of cast members indeed bring Tarzan the musical to each of us.

Speaking of the cast – let’s deep dive into this next section of cast members…

The Most Natural and Fascinating aspect of the Environment is that Which is Still A Mystery to Us

Rylee Curl/Ensemble. When you take in the song “Waiting for this Moment” with the amazing fauna found in the jungle, you realize how many cast members double as apes ands the plants. It is magical. I felt the power of the ensemble was bringing so much personality to what often could blend in the background, but can stand out with the right people. Certainly Rylee is one of the right people,

The expressions that are conveyed to the audience, from the body expressions of the characters in the ensemble, especially noticing the multiple roles the ensemble takes on, sometimes is the best secret when seen on stage. I recall the late practices each cast member had to be involved in, and remember Rylee coming into the high school and then straight to practice.

Think of the time she has devoted to being in at least four prior musicals and only in 8th grade. Then you realize how important it is to have someone so committed to the stage and to WHS in future years. The future is very bright thanks to the ability and devotion of such quality stage players and Rylee is no exception on stage in Tarzan the musical and what awaits the future.

Devotion to the Wrong Character’s Motives Can Often Strengthen the Right of the “Correct” Character’s Motives

Robert Donaway /Ensemble. Seeing Robert in the library many times, checking out books left and right, investigating paths of culinary pursuits and focusing his efforts towards anything he believes in is a strength he has. While in the musical devoted to what many would consider the wrong character, he certainly helps emphasize and promote this character.

His support of Clayton’s plots to disrupt our sense of what is correct, and being the muscle and heavy behind the character Clayton and his motives. you see the intensity he brings to any role he is interested in. It is exciting to see someone that has an outlet that he can feel he can be a part of wholeheartedly. It is also exciting to see how committed a student is to something. Certainly as a junior WHS is lucky to have someone that has been involved in the past, as well as hopefully seeing him in the future.

Don’t Neglect the Subtle Details That are Waiting to be Discovered

Ethan Hiller/Ensemble. Again, you have a cast member that as you watch the musical, he is ALL in every scene you see Ethan. AND IN 7TH GRADE! You do not realize how integral an ensemble member is from the print in a program, you realize how integral an ensemble member is when you see them bring alive that musical production on the stage.

Often you see the main parts and overlook the parts that are not leading roles. That is a mistake in this musical if you do so. The ensemble coordinates an interpretation of this musical in concert with the leading roles, with expressive, talented ensemble members to bring that interpretation to the audience. Many fall short of paying attention to the details and coordinated movements the ensemble has trained to learn, Don’t fall into that trap. Make sure you notice and are able to see the talented aspects of Ethan and the ensemble who make the personality of this musical complement the leading roles and you will realize the promise of their talent to the future of WHS stage productions.

Attention to Details Make the Fuller Picture Powerful

Robyn Goodman / Ensemble. Certainly a student containing powerful and talented expression, we hope you have not missed the past performances Robyn has been in that are Elf, Emma, Ghostlight, and legally Blonde. You know if you have seen Robyn in action how versatile in expression and potential she is. It is a welcome and bittersweet treat to see her in a final production of Tarzan the musical and it is almost as if she is in several productions.

When you see her as part of the elusive family Clayton and Porter are both looking for (for obvious different reasons), to donning royalty on the side of the stage, Robyn carries herself with an air of talent, possibility, and expression. She always is able to communicate a deep expression in her roles, and she is able to support so many roles around her with her presence.

As a Questbridge Scholar as the potential she has to go on to study in Chicago, Robyn herself has achieved many hurdles towards success, just as the diverse roles she has played in the past and plays in Tarzan the musical. Seeing her steadfast commitment to the stage at WHS, one can only hope she will continue this path in college, and WHS is certainly grateful for her commitment to several aspects of WHS to be represented in the best light. We are so proud of your accomplishments and commitment Robyn!

Support Comes in a Variety of Ways, in a Variety of Experiences With the Capable Individual

Te’Neal Grandison /Ensemble. Again, you have a stellar WHS member that brings so much light and talent to the ensemble. Being a participant since six years old, if you pay attention during the musical, you can’t help but notice how much intensity and commitment Te’Neal brings to the Tatzan, the musical family.

Having been involved in Legally Blonde, Emma!, as well as NHS as well as recently serving as lobbyist for WHS at Legislative Hall, there is nothing that Te’Neal really can’t do if she decides it is in her focus. Indeed, Te’Neal maintains this optimistic air that is contagious, and you can see with her expressive demeanor, she only brings others around her up. Her ability, interest, and capability blends right in with representing what Tarzan the musical aims to do, enlighten and surprise audiences while allowing her to stand out based on her enthusiasm and focus towards the audience. She is a gem for WHS as a part of this production.