Review: Tarzan

First of all, a confession. Like many other eternal little boys, I’m a Tarzan fan, but the idea of a Tarzan musical seemed completely silly to me at first. So I went to see a performance at the City Theatre with my goddaughter with a somewhat mischievous attitude. However, I was stunned: I saw a skillful, entertaining, wise, even moving performance that was completely irresistible!

David Henry Hwang has dramatized E.R. Burroughs ‘ beloved story into a very functional whole. The core elements are well preserved, and there is also reflection and action that adds drama. Phil Collins has composed music that is quite passable, especially in the exotic huga-tsaka scenes. The fluent Finnish translation is by Mikko Koivusalo, and Kari Rentola is responsible for the rather fast-paced and professional direction.

Into the jungle

The activities will start quickly right from the start. Tarzan’s parents’ shipwreck off the coast of Africa is impressive. Already ten minutes after the start, we are at the heart of the events; show why little Tarzan grows up among monkeys and what a scary red-eyed killer leopard is. Skilful and economical theatrical narration. At the same time, an unbelievably magnificent three-dimensional jungle set designed by Katariina Kirjavainenunfolds.

Due to the physical demands, double and even triple casting has been used in the performance. In the performance I saw, Wiljami Miettunen mastered the role of little Tarzan nicely. The monkey mother Kalana acted gently and understandingly, Emilia Nyman. The leader of the tribe, the fierce gorilla king, was played quite powerfully by Mikko Vihma. I saw Pekka Hiltunen as Tarzan’s friend, the flexible and playful monkey Terk. This man also has a bloody blues voice!

Especially in the first half, there are a lot of spectacular dance scenes. Rentola has been able to add breakdancing and hip hop to the fun in addition to monkey moves.  The choreography is by Marjo Kuusela and Oula Kitti.  The ensemble dances brilliantly and playfully. Elina Kolehmainen is responsible for the spectacular gorilla costumes.

But the serpent has slithered into paradise. Homo sapiens begins to wake up in little Tarzan.  Humans tend to search and tire their hands longer, gorillas don’t. Pomogorilla has to lead Tarzan away from the tribe. At this point, Miettunen and Vihma act together in a very touching way.

Addressing the basic questions

Tarzan is already growing and developing in the eyes and is deftly replaced by a handsome young man. Saska Pulkkinen jumps into the role. Uncertainty about one’s own roots becomes an important theme in the story. Pulkkinen convincingly interprets grief when you don’t know who you are and where you belong.  In addition to traditional adventure activities, ethical reflection will also be included. Should an individual categorically defend his own? And what to do if you don’t know where you belong?

Finally, the inevitable happens. An expedition enters the jungle, with which Tarzan finally finds Jane, the lovely Raili Raitala. An absolutely charming, imaginative dance of plants has been built into Jane’s entrance. Now we are not just twirling around in flower hats, but the visions are downright surreal. The encounter between Tarzan and Jane makes hearts skip a beat.

Two worlds against each other

In the second half, the species will literally and physically come face to face. Raitala and Pulkkinen beautifully interpret the new friendship and infatuation. Hiltunen plays a sour, jealous gang mate who is left alone. However, the friendship does not end.

Jane’s father, Matti Olavi Ranin, also gets important space, who turns out to be a very humane and wise character. The situation is different with the leader of the expedition, Clayton: Kari Mattiladraws an excellent villain, which also has a charmer of the Erroll Flynn type.

In the final climax, there is room for drama, action and romance.  The story takes on surprisingly touching features, and you find yourself wiping your eyes in the audience. However, the final image with handsome music is the classic and anticipated: Tarzan rises with his Jane on a liana to his own little paradise. And finally, the handsome roar can be heard!

The City Theatre’s Tarzan musical is very professionally made, suitably dramatic and fairytale-like. At the same time, it is also a wise growth story. Nowadays, in addition to technological competition, harmony and humility are needed to live together with nature. Tarzan’s scream is not just a cry of triumph, but a challenging call to harmony.