For the weeks of Monday, April 20 to Thursday, May 1, Rock Ridge Performing Arts prepared, advertised, and rehearsed for their spring production: Disney’s Tarzan, which they performed from May 2 to May 10. 

Throughout the rehearsal process, students faced unique challenges due to the physical demands of playing animal characters. Senior Annabelle Monte described the physicality involved in the performance as exhausting yet immensely rewarding. “Many of the performers are playing different types of animals, so we’ve had to do a lot of research regarding how we should move and act to portray them accurately,” Monte explained. “With this, Tarzan has been very physically exhausting because many of our performers (myself included) spend an entire show acting as an ape: using our knuckles to move around, climbing different structures, swinging on ropes, etc.”

Junior Geoffrey Banks highlighted how community spirit strengthened the production. “Rehearsals and shows have been going great,” Banks said. “We have a really dedicated, talented cast and crew that’s persevering through a rough patch in the program and making this production positive and memorable for everyone involved,” Banks also noted the unique aspect of performing a show that RRPA had previously produced in 2017, benefiting from the guidance of past performers and crew. 

Despite facing leadership changes and AP test week, the crew and performers were quick to adapt. Pragati Stish, a junior working in theater tech, acknowledged the increased tension but emphasized the supportive environment fostered by the current directors. “They are definitely pushing resources for mental health and stuff and making sure actors have people to talk to,” Satish said. “Watching the show come together with the amazing tech crew has been extremely rewarding.”

The production’s appeal goes beyond just Rockridge audiences, as Banks highlighted the show’s impact on younger viewers. “We’ve seen kids come dressed as Tarzan or Jane, and welcoming them into our space as a first peek into the theater is showing our work as worth it already.” Banks said.

RRPA students anticipate continuing to showcase their hard work and dedication, ensuring Tarzan leaves a mark, but also leaving room for their next show, Prince of Egypt, which will run from June 22 to June 28.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Lucian Tiller

Senior Annabelle Monte grabs the carabiner to a bungee cord on stage in preparation to hook in another member of the crew. "Tarzan is not the first RRPA show with flight ever, but it's certainly been the most flight we've included in a production," Monte said.