THE BOOK OF MORMON - ASU/Gammage

The National Tour of THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards ® including Best Musical, will play in Tempe at ASU Gammage as part of the 2015-2016 Broadway Season at ASU Gammage. 

2014-2015 Desert Schools Broadway Across America Arizona series subscribers will have priority access to tickets ahead of the general public.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, Desert Stages Theatre, September 5 - October 26, 2014

In this powerfully gritty drama Randle McMurphy is convicted of statutory rape and chooses to serve time in a mental hospital rather than state prison.  He soon becomes the bane of Head Nurse Ratched’s existence.  Injected with moments of raw humor this play will leave audiences astonished by its climax.

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm (no performance on 10/5)

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Director: Louis Farber
Stage Manager: Ruth Farber
Set Designer: Paul Filan
Lighting and Sound Designer: Louis Ihrig
Costume Designer: Virginia Olivieri
Props: Tiffany Atkinson, Matthew Villarreal
Hair/Makeup Designer: Joe Navan

Cast: (in order for appearance)
Chief Bromden: Reginald Graham
Aide Williams: Brent Coatney
Aide Warren: Keller Perry
Nurse Ratched: Shari Watts
Nurse Flinn: Valerie German
Dale Harding: Scott Hyder
Billy Bibbit: Austin Kiehle
Cheswick: Wade Moran
Scanlon: Joe Navan
Martini: Omar Zamora
Ruckley: Devon Nickel
Randle P. McMurphy: Trevor Starkey
Dr. Spivey/Aide Turkle: John Mueller
Candy Starr: Kellie Dunlap
Sandra: Raven Woessner

REVIEWS:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

-Gil Benbrook, TalkingBroadway.com

13 Must-See Plays This Fall in Metro Phoenix

-Katie Johnson, Phoenix New Times

Strong cast, direction drive 'Cuckoo's Nest'

-Michelle Hoffman, Scottsdale Republic

-Michelle Hoffman, Scottsdale Republic

FOOTLOOSE, Desert Stages Theatre, October 3 - November 2, 2014

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm

Music and dance are banned in a sleepy rural community. Newcomer Chicago teen Ren McCormack takes on the town’s high-powered minister in a tough uphill battle to bring melody and movement to the local scene. Hardened hearts are transformed, the ban is lifted and it all happens just in time for the most rousing senior prom this side of the Windy City! Everyone ultimately kicks off their Sunday shoes, cut loose, footloose!

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HARVEY, Desert Stages Theatre, November 7, 2014 - January 11, 2015

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

Good old Elwood P. Dowd has a best friend. His name is Harvey. Harvey is friendly, amusing and loyal. Elwood takes Harvey with him everywhere he goes. He is always sure to introduce him to folks. He orders drinks for Harvey at their favorite local bar. Yes Harvey is a very good friend indeed. He also happens to be an imaginary 6’3 ½” rabbit. The family is very worried about Elwood.

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Click here to see production photos from this show.

Director: Virginia Olivieri
Set & Props Designer/Stage Manager: Brent Coatney
Lighting and Sound Designer: Louis Ihrig
Costume Designer: Tamara Treat
Hair/Makeup Designer: Virginia Olivieri

Cast:
Elwood P. Dowd: Rick Davis
Veta Louis Simmons: Donna Kaufman
Myrtle Mae Simmons: Madeline Hickman
Ruth Kelly: Virginia Olivieri
Duane Wilson: Clayton Marlowe
William Chumley, M.D.: J. Kevin Tallent
Betty Chumley/Miss Johnson: Ginger Muth
Lyman Sanderson, M.D.: Keaton Honaker
Judge Omar Gaffney: Michael Relland
Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet: Linda Davis
E. J. Lofgen: Brent Coatney

THE WIZARD OF OZ, Desert Stages Theatre, November 14 - December 21, 2014

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays & Sundays at 1 & 3 pm

A young girl from Kansas opens the door to a gloriously strange land, and so begins one of the most beloved tales of all time! Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion follow the yellow brick road in search of what they already have; a home, a brain, a heart and courage. Few stories have transcended time and space like the wonderful Wizard of Oz. For the young, and the young at heart, experience it again for the first time!

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42ND ST, Desert Stages Theatre, January 9 - February 8, 2015

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturday & Sundays at 2 pm

Peggy is terrified to fill diva Dorothy’s dancing shoes and decides to go back home to Allentown. It takes some coaxing by director Julian to convince Peggy to change her mind but she finally agrees. Before the curtain rises on her opening night debut, Julian utters the now famous show biz line “You’re going out there a youngster but you’ve got to come back a star!” Will she? C’mon along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway!


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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

LOMBARDI, Desert Stages Theatre, January 23 - March 15, 2015

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

It’s 1965, the Green Bay Packers are having a stellar season, and they’re on their way to the championship. “Look Magazine” reporter Michael McCormick wants to find out all he can about their amazing coach.  In this highly critically acclaimed drama, you’ll meet the man whose name graces the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy. Lombardi is considered by many to be the greatest coach that ever lived or as Michael McCormick puts it, “the most imperfect, perfect man I ever met.”

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

DISNEY BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR - Desert Stages Theatre - February 20 - March 29, 2015

Once upon a time…so begins a timeless musical tale but in this story our heroine Belle, living in a quiet village, dreams of having books to read! Her life takes an unexpected and exciting turn that leads to a darkened castle where once there was joy but now only gloom. Living there is a frightful beast attended to by a colorfully odd and magical assortment of characters. Slowly, something magical happens as Belle learns to look beyond what only the eye can see. Soon the beast is transformed, joy returns and with a library filled of books they live happily ever after!

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays & Sundays at 1 & 3 pm


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WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, Desert Stages Theatre, March 27 - May 17, 2015

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

Leonard Vole is accused of murdering elderly, wealthy widow Mrs. Emily French. His lawyer is convinced of his innocence until the will is read revealing a substantial bequest to Leonard.  This brilliant Agatha Christie courtroom drama is filled with suspenseful plot twists that hold up still today. The climax is so startling that audiences should swear under oath not to reveal it!

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

SHREK THE MUSICAL, Desert Stages Theatre, April 10 – May 10, 2015

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Desert Stages Theatre, April 30 - May 17, 2015

April 30 to May 17, 2015
Thursdays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm & Sundays at 7 pm

Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Materials by Jay Reiss
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Originally produced on Broadway by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo Barrington Stage Company, Second Stage Theatre

The six very different youngsters who signed up for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are in for the competition of a lifetime! Follow the story of the wackiest spelling bee yet in Putnam County as you learn more about the colorful background of each contestant and how each made their way to the competition. Who will take home the First Place prize? This musical comedy will have you laughing-out-loud all night long!

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WILLY WONKA, JR. Desert Stages Theatre, May 22 - June 21, 2015

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays & Sundays at 1 & 3 pm

Five golden tickets are hidden in Wonka chocolate bars and the world goes bonkers to find one! Winners receive a tour of Willy Wonka’s mysterious factory and a year’s supply of scrumdiddlyumptious chocolate bars. When Charlie Bucket, a poor boy with a widowed mom and bedridden grandparents, finds one of the priceless tickets his life is changed beyond his imagination!

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RUMORS, Desert Stages Theatre, June 5 - July 26, 2015

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

When guests arrive at a formal dinner party in a high class New York townhouse they immediately sense something is terribly wrong. There are no servants, the hostess is missing and the host, the Deputy Mayor of New York, has shot himself in the ear lobe upstairs in the bedroom. His lawyer quickly concocts a story to protect him from gossip but too many missteps result in a night of hilarious rumors. This is as zany as Neil Simon gets in an upscale farce that goes awry!

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

HAIR, Desert Stages Theatre, July 10 - August 9, 2015

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturday & Sundays at 2 pm

When the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter aligns with Mars, it’s not only the dawning of the Age of Aquarius …it’s time for Hair! A politically active group of long-haired hippies live a psychedelic bohemian lifestyle in New York and fight involvement in the Vietnam War. The make-love-not-war mantra of the turbulent 60s is revisited in this graphic, award-winning rock musical.

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

PHANTOM, Hale Centre Theatre, August 28 to October 11, 2014

This is NOT Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera — this version of Phantom is better! Tony award-winning authors Kopit and Yeston have created a sensational theatrical offering that has enraptured audiences across the country with hauntingly beautiful songs and an expertly crafted book. This passionate musical will thrill and move you like never before.

Book by Arthur Kopit     |    Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Based on Gaston Leroux's novel  The Phantom of the Opera

Click here for photos from this production

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Music and Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Book by Arthur Kopit
Director / Choreographer: Cambrian James
Music Director: Lincoln Wright
Set Designer: Adam DeVaney, Brian Daily
Costume Designer: Mary Atkinson
Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis
Wigs/Makeup: Cambrian James
Stage Manager: Justin Peterson

Cast:
Erik, the Phantom: Bryan Stewart
Christine Daaé : Annalise Webb
Gérard Carrière: Hector Coris
Alain Cholet: Matt Harris
Carlotta: Mary Jane McCloskey
Count Philippe de Chandon: Stephen Serna
Inspector Ledoux: Tedd Glazebrook
Young Carrière: Nate Dutson
Belladova: Genesis M. Cuen
Minister of Culture/Ensemble: Aaron Ford
Jean Claude, Stage Manager: Jonathan Holdsworth
Buquet/Ensemble: Lee Pitts
First Nighter / Ensemble: Barkley Romero
Fleure / Ensemble: Rebecca Bryce
Flora / Ensemble: Kristin Mabb
Florence / Ensemble: Lydia McCloskey
Opera Diva / First Nighter / Ensemble: Heidi-Liz Johnson
Opera Tenor / Ensemble: Julian-Sebastian Peña
Young Erik: Nick Pauley

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, Hale Centre Theatre, September 15 to November 18, 2014

You requested this marvelous gem and here it is! Two seemingly harmless little old ladies just love to play host to lonely little old men. But, how to explain the 13 dead bodies in the basement? Drink in the sheer genius of this treasured comedy that starred Cary Grant and Peter Lorre in the classic 1944 movie. Take care. You might die laughing!

Book by Joseph Kesselring 

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"a charming production.  For a play that is over seventy years old Arsenic and Old Lace still elicits plenty of laughs and charm if done right, and the Hale Centre Theatre’s production has a capable cast and sure footed direction that incite enough chuckles and warmth amongst the silliness to show why this play has been a favorite for so many years." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway

Click here to see photos from this production

Written by Joseph Kesselring
Directed by Kent Burnham 
Set Designer: David Dietlein, Brian Daily
Costume Designer: Mary Atkinson
Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis
Wigs/Makeup: Cambrian James 
Stage Manager: Emmanuel Antillon

Cast: 
Martha Brewster: Barbara McGrath
Abby Brewster: Laura Soldan
Mortimer Brewster: Drew Leatham
Teddy Brewster: James Melita
Jonathan Brewster: James Olsen
Dr. Einstein: Jeff Brown
Elaine Harper: Emily Batterson
Dr. Harper, Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Whitherspoon: Ned Peterson
Officer O'Hara: Ammon Opie
Officer Brophy: Tom Endicott
Officer Klein: Frank Aaron
Lieutenant Rooney: Darryl W. Poenisch

THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Hale Centre Theatre, October 16 - November 29, 2014

by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Winner of eight Tony Awards! For more than 50 years, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterful retelling of the Family Von Trapp singers has delighted audiences with its enduring true story. With HCT’s marvelously innovative direction, staging and costumes, this timeless musical soars anew.

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"this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is receiving a virtually flawless production at Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert.  As Maria, Brandi Bigley is perfectly expressive in showing the many layers of Maria, both comedic and dramatic. And her voice soars through some of the best known songs. Director D. Scott Withers doesn't make one false step... First rate, joyous and emotional, with an excellent cast, superb direction, rich and abundant choreography, and creative touches. It is one of the best productions I've seen of one of the best loved musicals of all time." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway

"Brandi Bigley's heartwarming portrayal of Maria in Hale Center Theatre's polished production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music is laced with nuance ~ and a rich voice!   Then, there is [energetic round of applause, please!] the endearing and remarkable septet of young actors who portray the von Trapp children. They take to the stage in song and movement as if they were born in it."  - Herbert Paine, BroadwayWorld.com

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Director: D. Scott Withers
Choreographer: Laurie Trygg
Music Director: Lincoln Wright
Set Designer: Adam DeVaney, Brian Daily
Costume Designer: Mary Atkinson
Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis
Wigs/Makeup: Cambrian James
Stage Manager: Justin Peterson

Cast:
Maria Rainer: Brandi Bigley
Captain Georg von Trapp: Rob Stuart
Elsa Schraeder: Laura Pyper
Max Detweiler: Brandon Zale
Mother Abbess: Carrie Klofach
Sister Berthe / Others: Heather Fallon
Sister Margaretta: Lynanne Cottle
Sister Sophia / Others: Heather Gahagan
Frau Schmidt / Others: Erzsebet Szabo
Herr Zeller: Jack Edward Heald
Rolf Gruber: Connor Wince
Liesl von Trapp: Jacqueline Brecker
Friedrich von Trapp: Dale Mortensen
Louisa von Trapp: Macy LeCheminant
Kurt von Trapp: Austin Porter
Brigitta von Trapp: Sydney Del Fosse
Marta von Trapp: Amy Dubin
Gretl von Trapp: Kathleen Jensen

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Hale Centre Theatre, December 4 - 24, 2014

A Play with Music based on the Charles Dickens

Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale Stage. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 11th year here in Gilbert!

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The GREEN CAST:
Mark Kleinman..............Ebeneezer Scrooge
Andrew Lipman.............Marley/Old Joe
Vinny Chavez................Fred
Bryan Stewart................Bob Cratchit
Robyn Bydalek..............Mrs. Cratchit/Mrs. Fezzywig
Abby Stewart.................Martha Cratchit/Fezzywig Party
Jeremy Rowley..............Peter Cratchit/Sled Boy
Oriana Valcamp.............Belinda Cratchit
Josh Mortensen.............Doug Cratchit
Annika Almquist.............Carol Cratchit/Little Fan/Sled/Want
Jared Mortensen............Tiny Tim/Ignorance
Jacob Stewart................Boy Scrooge/Beggar Boy/Boy in Courtyard
Cami Anglemeyer...........Past/Laundress
Mark Hackmann.............Present/Businessman 3/Poulterer
Malcolm Hooper.............Future/Backstage
Brent Graham.................Mr. Fezzywig/Coal Vendor/Undertaker
Isaac Dowdle.................Jenkins/Charity 2/Businessman 2/Charles
Nate Dutson...................Dick Wilkins/Ensemble
James Gish....................Young Scrooge/Narrator 1
Heidi-Liz Johnson...........Fred's Wife/Ensemble
Annalise Webb...............Belle/Narrator 2/Christina
Julian Peña.....................Topper/Charity 1/Businessman 1
Monica Domschot...........Topper's Girl/Ensemble
Jeff Huffman...................Robert/Ensemble
Harley Barton..................Victoria/Ensemble
Laura Soldan..................Charwoman/Narrator 3

The RED CAST:
Cory McCloskey..............Ebeneezer Scrooge
Nate Stuart......................Fred
Chad Campbell...............Marley/Old Joe
Tyler Maxson..................Bob Cratchit
Linsey Maxson................Mrs. Cratchit/Mrs. Fezzywig
Tatum Weight..................Martha Cratchit/Fezzywig Party
Dale Mortensen...............Peter Cratchit/Sled Boy
Haley Reed.....................Belinda Cratchit
Cole Maxson...................Doug Cratchit
Clair Apostol....................Carol Cratchit/Little Fan/Sled/Want
Bowen Maxson................Tiny Tim/Ignorance
Nick Pauley......................Boy Scrooge/Beggar Boy/Boy in Courtyard
Rebecca Bryce................Past/Laundress
James Melita...................Present/Businessman 3/Poulterer
Malcolm Hooper...............Future/Backstage
Darryl Poenisch................Mr. Fezzywig/Coal Vendor/Undertaker
Dain Knudson..................Jenkins/Charity 2/Businessman 2/Charles
Nate Dutson.....................Dick Wilkins/Ensemble
James Gish......................Young Scrooge/Narrator 1
Kelsey Pokatello..............Fred's Wife/Ensemble
Jessie Jo Pauley..............Belle/Narrator 2/Christina
Julian Peña......................Topper/Charity 1/Businessman 1
Lydia McCloskey..............Topper's Girl/Ensemble
Aaron Ford.......................Robert/Ensemble
Audrey Sullivan.................Victoria/Ensemble
Mary Jane McCloskey.......Charwoman/Narrator 3

LEND ME A TENOR, Hale Centre Theatre, December 31, 2014 - February 14, 2015

by Ken Ludwig

The Cleveland Grand Opera Company has planned a gala $50,000 fund raiser! World-famous Italian tenor, Tito Morelli, known to his fans as "II Stupendo" is slated to sing the title role in Othello. However, it appears the tenor has plans of his own — still the show must go on—at all costs! Don’t miss this uproarious comedy, winner of three Tony and four Drama Desk Awards!

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+Danny Karpetian .......... Max
+Emilie Doering ............. Maggie
+Mark Hackmann .......... Saunders
+Stephen Serna ............ Tito Merelli
+Tina Khalil ................... Maria
+Vinny Chavez .............. Bellhop
+Kellie Dunlap ............... Diana

+Laura Soldan ............... Julia

FOREVER PLAID, Hale Centre Theatre, January 19 - April 21, 2015

by Stuart Ross and James Raitt

Back by popular demand for the fourth time! A fatal crash kept the "Plaids" from their first big gig but they’ve come back to earth to sing for one night. Stroll down memory lane with the beautiful harmonies of the 1950s. Featuring pop classics and clever patter that will have you rolling in the aisles — when you’re not humming along with the great hits of that era.

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

MY FAIR LADY, Hale Centre Theatre, February 19 - April 4, 2015

by Lerner and Lowe

Henry Higgins wagers he can transform a Cockney flower girl into an aristocratic lady never dreaming he will be transformed! A sparkling score of enduring favorites including "I Could Have Danced All Night," "Wouldn’t it be Loverly," "The Rain in Spain," and "Get Me to the Church on Time." Based on George Bernard Shaw’s most incisive social satire, a joyful, crowd-pleasing celebration for the entire family.

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photos and review links will be added when available.

Annalise Webb --- Eliza Doolittle
Rob Stuart --- Henry Higgins
Peter Cunniff --- Colonel Pickering
James Gish --- Freddy Eynsford-Hill
Christie Wright --- Mrs.Pearce
Janis Webb --- Mrs. Higgins
Mark Kleinman --- Alfred P. Doolittle
Harley Barton --- Ensemble
Danica Donaldson --- Ensemble
Monica Domschot --- Ensemble
Anissa Griego --- Ensemble
Heidi-Liz Johnson --- Ensemble
Kristin Mabb --- Ensemble
Brian Anderson --- Ensemble
Vinny Chavez --- Ensemble
Nate Dutson --- Ensemble
Jesse Thomas Foster --- Ensemble
Jonathan Holdsworth --- Ensemble
Julian Peña Ensemble
Brian Robertson --- Ensemble
Stephen Serna --- Ensemble

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, Hale Centre Theatre, April 9, 2015 - May 16, 2015

by Kaufman and Hart

It’s madness and mayhem when an infamously demanding radio personality slips on some ice and, against his will, is forced to take up residence in his host’s home for six weeks. Stranded in a small town all he can do is meddle in the affairs of his host’s relatives and the townsfolk while ungraciously accepting visits from his famous friends.

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

THE WIZARD OF OZ, Hale Centre Theatre, May 21 - July 3, 2015

by L. Frank Baum with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg

"Follow the Yellow Brick Road" to Hale Theatre to see Dorothy and her little dog Toto join with Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they journey through the magical Land of Oz to meet the wonderful Wizard. Rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the entire family.

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

TARZAN, Hale Centre Theatre, July 9 - August 22, 2015

Book by David Henry Hwang. Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins

The compelling story of a boy raised by apes in the wild African jungle. When a father-daughter team of scientists arrives to study the flora and fauna of the area, Tarzan learns for the first time that there are others like him in the world. He must then decide whether he belongs with the family who raised him or with the one he has quickly fallen in love with.


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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.