Tarzan – The Stage Musical, presented by the James Terry Collective and guided by the thoughtful direction of Alister Smith, is a high-impact, feel-good production that balances visual spectacle with real emotional weight. With its sweeping movement, lush design, and soaring heart, this beautifully crafted production welcomes audiences of all ages into a world where rhythm and story intertwine.
Based on the beloved Disney film, this adaptation brings familiar nostalgia while building new layers of theatrical magic. Phil Collins’ iconic score, including fan favourites like “Two Worlds,” “Strangers Like Me,” and “You’ll Be In My Heart,”, enrich each scene with energy and emotional depth. Through breathtaking choreography, inventive set design, and knockout performances, the story leaps from screen to stage with power and heart. 
At the heart of the story is Tarzan, a boy raised by gorillas in the West African jungle after being orphaned in a shipwreck. As he grows into a man, he begins to grapple with the divide between the world that raised him and the world he comes from. His encounter with Jane Porter, a curious and compassionate English naturalist, sparks a powerful inner struggle as he begins to question his place in both worlds. The narrative delves into themes of identity, love, and loyalty, offering a heartfelt exploration of what it means to belong and the bravery required to forge your own path. Beneath the adventure and spectacle is a tender story about the need for connection and the search for acceptance.
Leading the cast is Joshua Russell, who delivers a solid and engaging performance in the title role. His physicality is confident and well-executed, with an impressive embodiment of ape-like movement that feels fully realised and consistent throughout. Vocally, he brings strength and clarity to the role, handling Phil Collins’ score with confidence. Russell brings an energetic and likeable presence to the stage, capturing both the playful spirit and emotional growth of Tarzan with a sense of fun and sincerity.
Opposite him is Emily Robinson, making an impressive debut as Jane Porter. Her performance is full of warmth, innocence, and playful charm, balanced by a deliberate and passionate energy that reveals the deeper layers of the character. Robinson brings a charismatic stage presence and a strong emotional understanding of Jane’s arc, allowing the audience to connect with her journey of discovery. Her vocals are a standout, confident and expressive with a clear tone that shines. It is a performance that feels fully realised and marks her as a promising new talent to watch.
Sarah Murr is a standout as Kala, Tarzan’s adoptive gorilla mother. Her rendition of “You’ll Be In My Heart” blends warmth, vulnerability, and quiet strength, showcasing not only her vocal chops but her emotional range. As Kerchak, Devon Braithwaite delivers a stoic and commanding presence, balancing the protective instincts of a leader with the complexities of accepting a human child into the fold. Drew Holmes as the bumbling yet lovable Professor Porter, and Nick Eynaud who gives Clayton just the right amount of smarm and menace, both strike just the right balance between humour and theatrical flair. Both tread the line between nuance and exaggeration with care, delivering performances that are playful without ever becoming cartoonish. 
Michael Ralph’s choreography is one of the show’s most impressive achievements. The ensemble’s embodiment of ape-like movement is remarkably detailed, from grounded crouches and swinging limbs to the subtle curl of fingers and the rhythm of their gait. It goes beyond traditional dance, becoming a form of physical storytelling that brings the jungle world vividly to life. This attention to character movement transforms the cast into creatures of the wild, not just performers on a stage. A particular standout is the ensemble number “Trashin’ the Camp,” which bursts with playful energy and infectious rhythm, leaving the audience grinning and tapping along.
Jacob Battista’s set design is a dynamic playground of swinging ropes, layered jungle canopy, and hidden nooks that create real depth on stage. The clever use of levels gives the show an immersive 3D quality, and the movement between tree tops and jungle floor is fluid and exciting.
Tarzan – The Stage Musical offers a vibrant and heartfelt theatrical experience that appeals to all ages. With playful moments, emotional depth, and standout creative execution, the James Terry Collective once again delivers a production that feels both polished and full of joy. It is a high-energy, visually rich show that swings straight to the heart.
Tarzan – The Stage Musical played at the National Theatre in St Kilda from 29 August to 14 September 2025. For more information, visit https://tarzanstagemusical.com.au
