'Tarzan' takes flight in Batavia

The Batavia Fine Arts Centre will be transformed into a jungle this weekend, when Spotlight Youth Theater Aurora presents "Disney's Tarzan."

Performances are Friday through Sunday, May 15-17, and tickets, $9-$14, are available at www.spotlight.org or by calling (847) 516-2298.

The Daily Herald caught up with director Christie King of North Aurora to find out what was involved in the staging of this spectacular show, which features professional sets and actors flying across the stage. This is King's 13th time directing a show for Spotlight.

Q. Why did Spotlight choose to put on "Tarzan" for this particular show?

Christie King. Although the story of Tarzan is over 100 years old and has been made into movies and feature animated films, we want to emphasize its deeper theme of adoption and family. Tarzan is a human but adopted by apes. In time, he must decide who he is and what his destiny will be. Our message to our audience is that God has offered us to be adopted into his family. We can either accept that and live one way, or choose to live out of his care.

Q. What version of the "Tarzan" story are you using?

King. We are using a version of the original Disney's "Tarzan" that was presented on Broadway and around the world. It was based on Edgar Rice Burrough's novel, "Tarzan of the Apes." At the surface, Tarzan is about a boy who is raised by gorillas in Africa and then falls in love with the girl we all know as "Jane." One of "Tarzan's" main themes is a story about a young boy who just wants to hear his father say, "I love you." It's about belonging and being accepted for who you are - an amazing message for adults and youth in this day and age.

Q. How difficult or easy was it to cast the lead roles for this play?

King. Our lead roles were extremely competitive because Spotlight Youth Theater attracts some incredible talent. We spent a long weekend making some tough choices. But in the end we have a tremendous cast from the leads to our dancers and everyone involved. Our cast is made up of 93 student actors from ages 7-19.

Q. What are some of the special effects in this show?

King. Our show features more flying than any other Spotlight show ever. We were thrilled to have one of the top Broadway flying crews working with us to ensure that both safety and art are balanced as our actors sail over the stage. There are several surprises that I don't want to give away but it's worth the small ticket price for this level of professionalism and some of the best local talent.

Q. What has been the most rewarding part of putting this show together?

King. It's a special time to be working with such a great team, to be able to educate the student actors on developing their talent, plus the opportunity to be an influence in their lives. I can see their growth both as actors but more importantly in their character "off the stage."

Q. What has been the most challenging?

King. We have met in a small church for the past seven weekends and have had to choreograph large numbers, pretend Tarzan is flying, and estimate where set pieces will be. This made for a tough transition to our main Batavia theater stage this past Sunday as we only have 12 hours over three days to do it. In that time, we have to place the sets, props, create the lighting and hope to have three complete run-throughs. The clock is ticking every time we enter the theater and to do this with 93 students and adult volunteers, it's a lot to wrangle.

Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this show?

King. I think audiences will be surprised at the professionalism and talent that a local theater group can deliver. From the lighting, effects, singing, dancing, and of course, the flying, I think Tarzan's story of adoption and family will come through in a powerful way and will be memorable for many years.

If you go

What: Spotlight Youth Theater Aurora's production of "Disney's Tarzan"

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 15; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17

Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., entrance off Wilson

Tickets: $9-$12 in advance, $2 extra at the door

Details: (847) 516-2298 or <a href="http://www.spotlight.org">www.spotlight.org</a>