The Magic of the Theatre

If you've never been to a live theatre performance, I strongly suggest you do so. It will, in no small manner, improve the quality of your life. There's a certain magic within those walls that draws you in and triggers sensations you cannot discover anywhere else. It's a joy to behold, and a welcome relief from the crippling realm of the outside world.

Me dressing the part at a showing of Castle of Caligari.

Living in LA, I just had to take advantage of the booming entertainment scene. There are plenty of things happening left and right. Not all good, of course, but finding the right one is definitely worth the effort. Big names like the Pantagens Theatre pull in plenty of traffic, but the production quality is not always up to par. Some of the shows there seem to rely more on the appeal of the venue rather than the strength of their actual performance.

The El Portal Theater in North Hollywood is a gem of a location. I first struck gold there with a Lythgoe production of Snow White. It was a fantastic and whimsical show that kept the entire audience glowing with joy throughout. Light-hearted fun mixed with excellent audience interaction made for a 5-star entertainment. Should this show ever grace your town, take a chance and grab the kids (if you have any). You won't regret it.

The lovely Rochinda family at the Snow White premiere.

Some time later, El Portal delivered again by hosting Tarzan: The Broadway Musical. There was no way I could pass on this one. Disney's Tarzan is one of my all-time favorite animated movies. Its live action successor is true to its name. With the hit songs we all love from Phil Collins, this interpretation brings the magic of the jungle to a location near you.

It's a funny story, actually. At first, I expected to be greeted by these wonderful characters on the main stage. However, upon entering we were directed into a smaller room we had never been to before. Inside was a small set in the center and seating was arranged around the edges of the room. Initially, I frowned with the belief that this was a rather cheap production soon to fill me with disappointment. I sat in my seat a little disheartened, yet I'm not one to give up on anything so quickly. As soon as the lights dimmed and the music started, all my concerns were lifted. The lighting revealed elements of the jungle hanging above us and soon I could see no visible separation between the audience and performance space. It was one cohesive image of an imaginary jungle. Suddenly, dancers erupted from the space between our seating sections and I jumped at the sudden excitement. It quickly became clear to me that this small room was an artistic choice and not an under budget obligation. The small quarters provided an intense emotional experience, as the performers were never more than ten feet away from us. The emotion of "You'll Be in My Heart" was felt by all as Kala delivered it face to face with a crowd of teary-eyed onlookers.

This connection lasted the entire production, an emotional ride not soon forgotten. From the heartbreak of young Tarzan's isolation to the sassy and hilarious attitude of Turk. The anger erupting from Kerchak to our hero's blossoming love for Jane. All these emotions resonating within all of us as we journeyed through this jungle. It was an experience not easily explained and not since enjoyed since watching the original Disney movie as a child. It touched a part of us easily forgotten while living in this busy world of ours. The part of us that believes in wonder and magic. The part of us that lives on, even after we've left this physical realm.

This guy killed it as Turk in Tarzan: the Broadway Musical

 If you read the papers and you see Tarzan: the Broadway Musical listed in the entertainment section, get up off your butt and get ready for a journey you'll never forget. Don't make any excuses. Do yourself a favor and allow yourself the opportunity to experience something special. You'll be thankful you did.

What a great cast. And yes, those are Tarzan's natural locks.