Cast, crew named for VWHS spring musical

VW independent/submitted information

Van Wert High School Theatre proudly announces its spring musical, Disney’s Tarzan®, which will be presented Thursday through Saturday, April 2-4, starting at 7 p.m., at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. This musical is based on the book Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Disney’s 1999 animated film, and book by David Henry Hwang. With music and lyrics by Phil Collins, audience members will also enjoy all the favored melodies from songs such as “You’ll Be In My Heart,” “Son of Man,” and “Two Worlds.” Set deep in the jungle, Tarzan, The Stage Musical focuses on stories of family, love, acceptance, and determination.

The cast for the production include the following students: Dru Johnson as Tarzan, Tayzia Havill as Jane, Allison Morrow as Kala, Evan Sroufe as Kerchak, and Cooper Adams as Terk. Other principal and supporting roles are performed by Colin Ireland, Becky Rigdon, Finley Foster, Dane Chiles, Draven Hanicq, Cody Gamble, Andrew Laudick, Meah Johnson, Maria Bagley, Lauren Black, Anna Cassidy, Jenna Covey, Alayna Cripe, Grace Doctor, Whitley Fast, Maykayla Fowlkes, McKenna Gilbert, Jordan Hurless, Mackenzie Jones, Kayla Krites, Brooklynn Laukhuf, Zach Mason, Abbie Mengerink, Lizzie Rutkowski, Sophie Rutkowski, Alli Schaufelberger, and Devoney Sidle. There are also 10 Van Wert Middle School students participating in the ensemble. 

The stage crew consists of stage manager Aubree Bear, assistant stage manager Isabella Smith, Hanna Say, Abram Price, Abbi Phillips, Emily Williamson, Avery Amweg, Jaryn Pierce, Brooklyn Weaks, Isabella Ricker, Katie Gamble, Danesha Branson, Carly Bebout, Serena Havill, and Saige Waltmire. 

Disney’s Tarzan, the Stage Musical is being directed by Melissa Bloomfield, Technical Director Hugh Saunier, Lighting Director Matt Saunier, and Pit Orchestra Director Bob Sloan. Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting March 2. Tickets may be purchased online at www.npacvw.org, or by visiting or calling the NPAC box office at 419.238.NPAC. Reserved seats in the Orchestra Center section will be available for $10 each. General admission tickets will be $8 each. Additional ticket information can be found on www.VWHSTheatre.weebly.com. 

Disney’s Tarzan, the Stage Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com . Production sponsors are Eastside Auto Repair and Sales, Tisha Fast State Farm Insurance Agency, and Van Wert Manor.