David Couter, left, and Brittni Rhodes, both 17, rehearse for their roles as Tarzan and Jane in the Center for Creative Arts’ upcoming production of “Tarzan.” CCA is one of four high schools in the country to stage the musical as a pilot program for Disney Theatrical Productions. The show runs Feb. 16-18.Brittni Rhodes, 17* Parents: Cynthia Rhodes, Ruey Rhodes.* College plans: Musical theater major, college undecided.* Favorite role: Penny Pingleton in Chattanooga Theatre Centre production of “Hairspray.”* Most admired actors: Sutton Foster, Laura Osnes.* Favorite musical: “Les Miserables.”David Couter, 17* Parents: Cheri Markham-Couter, Robert Couter.* College plans: Theater major at Oglethorpe University.* Favorite role: Papa Ge in “Once on This Island.”* Most admired actor: John Cazale.* Favorite musical: “Pippin.”IF YOU GO* What: “Tarzan.”* When: 7 p.m. Feb. 16-18.* Where: Center for Creative Arts, 1301 Dallas Road.* Tickets: $15 reserved, $10 general admission, $5 students.
For weeks, David Couter has been studying YouTube videos of monkeys in their natural habitat, learning to ape the way the primates walk and interact.
It’s the extra mile he’s going to perfect his portrayal of Tarzan in the Center for Creative Arts’ upcoming production of “Tarzan.”
CCA is one of four schools in the nation to be selected by Disney Theatrical Productions to stage the musical based on Disney’s animated feature film. Disney representatives handpicked the schools to be pilot programs to see how easily a high school can manage such a large production. A Disney representative will attend the CCA performance to view the results and get cast feedback.
According to musical theater teacher Jason Whitehead, who is directing the show, the stage production carries a budget of about $19,000 in order to meet Disney’s — and the school’s — standards.