UPDATE: This incredibly impressive production is gaining more than the attention of our local community. The cast and crew was informed that WIVB-TV’s (Channel 4) ‘Wake Up!’ has caught wind of the excitement. On Monday, January 25th, barring any extreme breaking news, News 4 will be reporting live from the set of Tarzan throughout their morning broadcast. The details are being confirmed as the directors work to determine what will be most appealing to the WNY viewers. Many are asking why there haven’t been pictures leaked of the set, costumes, or rehearsals like normal. Being a full-scale Disney production, there are many rules and regulations as to what can be published. The Directors say that the WIVB live shoot will most likely be the first chance anyone will get a “sneak-peak” of the show.

Coming off of an amazing run of the Fall play, ‘Spook House’, Alden High School has announced their 2016 musical to be Tarzan. The production team has been planning this one behind the scenes since the summer calling this their “biggest show yet”. To be true to the classic tale, Tarzan will feature the music of Phil Collins played by the AHS pit band, an incredible set design, and professional flying effects for several of the cast members.

Technical Director Mr. Matt Masci has said “we are all truly excited about this elaborate production. Over the last several years, I think the community would agree that our showmanship has been drastically improving. We try our best to deliver a new experience each time we open the doors to an audience and this show will certainly stay true to that promise.”

This Disney classic tells the tale of a shipwreck that leaves an infant boy, Tarzan (Max Gucinski) orphaned on the shores of West Africa. The helpless baby is adopted and raised by the mate of the leader of a tribe of gorillas, Kala (Brooke Strausbaugh), who is grieving the loss of her baby. As he grows and matures, the boy yearns for acceptance from his ape father, Kerchak (Everett Gilbert) and to discover the reason for his uniqueness. Eventually, he encounters his first human – Jane Porter (Paige Rzepka), a curious young explorer – and all of their worlds are transformed.

Also featured in Tarzan will be Dylan Colosanti (Young Tarzan), Carl Farrell (Terk),Ian Johnson (Young Terk), Carl Aldinger (Porter), Dylan Kiener (Clayton), Tim Hinsken (Snipes), Erin Urbanski (Tarzan’s Mother), and Joe Wallace (Tarzan’s Father).

Tarzan is directed and choreographed by Mrs. Lori Gramza. Mrs. Jill Farrell is the Vocal Director and Mr. Bill Larrabee is the Director of the Pit Band. Mrs. Amy Froebel is the Costume Director, Mr. Matt Masci is the Technical Director, and the flying effects will be provided by ZFX, Inc.

Needless to say, all of the cast member are very excited for the upcoming show, and have been partaking in activities during rehearsals like, “Ape Warm-ups” for the ensemble and other cast members to get into character to be the Silverback Gorillas featured in the show. This includes miming a leader as they make gorilla noises, walk on their knuckles, and other exercises that will help to not only strengthen the cast members physically, but also help to bring an extra cohesiveness to the performance.

 On top of all of this, the cast members and overseers are planning a fundraiser in order to raise money for the African Wildlife Foundation. This is mainly student-run and organized event, and is not set in stone yet, but many of the cast members are very excited about making a donation to help the animals that are featured in the show. More about this event will be updated when plans are finalized. 

Reserved Tickets for Tarzan are priced at $10 for pre-sale tickets and $12 at the door. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased by calling Missy at 716-308-8998. For more information, check out the Wilson R. Conrad Memorial Auditorium page at www.aldenschools.org/hsauditorium