From 'Tarzan' to 'Cats' — Musicals step out at Tuacahn's red rock cliffs

It's a jungle out there — well, southern Utah, to be exact.

"We're trying to convert the desert into a jungle," said Scott Anderson, artistic director of Tuacahn Amphitheatre, who talked excitedly about the upcoming summer season.

"We have the regional premiere of Disney's 'Tarzan.' "

Based on the 1999 animated Disney movie, the stage version, featuring the music of Phil Collins, opened on Broadway in 2006 but closed a year later.

"What people don't realize is that it was one of the biggest musicals ever mounted on Broadway," Anderson said. "It was $20 million, and it was already in the black before it opened, the presale was so large. When it opened on Holland, it beat out 'Lion King' and 'Les Miz,' and it's doing the same in Germany right now. It's had quite a post-Broadway life."

Anderson wanted to secure the rights to "Tarzan" after he saw the lavish musical on Broadway.

"It's a great place for the regional premiere," he said of the Tuacahn stage set among the red rocks. "And it is a big deal for producers. This will be their chance to see how 'Tarzan' does in regional theaters."

In 2006, Tuacahn did a production of "Peter Pan," which caused Tuacahn to upgrade its system.

"Our system — an outdoor stage — doesn't lend itself well to flying. But thanks to that show, we can get 10 people flying in the air at one time," he said. "Some are automated, some are bungee lines. So, you've got all these apes flying in the air—it's a lot of fun."

The requirements make an aerial choreographer a necessity, he said.

"Cees de Kok and Cathy Perquin did the aerial stuff, and I'm telling you, if you want to see an aerial spectacular, come see this."

And choreographer Mic Thompson, a favorite of Michael Jackson and Disney, "brings a very unique style of dance."

"To do 'Tarzan' and 'Cats' (the other summer show) we've got to have some amazing dancers and they have to be able to sing Disney pop."

The King of the Apes will be played by James Royce Edwards. The BYU graduate has starred on Broadway and in national tours of "Hairspray" "Mamma Mia" and "Les Miserables."

"He's been in theaters all over the country and has just been a pleasure to work with," Anderson said. "We're excited to have him."