“Disney’s Tarzan” musical swings into Oak Park this November. The production, based on the classic 1999 animated film and 2006 stage adaption, will feature talented high school performers alongside young children from the community.

Tarzan tells a story how a boy is raised by gorillas who grows into a man and embarks on a journey to discover his identity and where he truly belongs.

“It’s about finding your community-finding the people that care about you, regardless of your background, where you come from, what you look like or what you feel like,” theatre director Matt Ashpaugh said.

More than 100 students, plus younger students will take to the stage and musical pit for the performance.

“The unique thing is we’re going to have children in this show,” Ashpaugh said. “We will be getting some children from our theatre at elementary schools to come in and help portray characters such as young Tarzan and younger gorillas, who will have significant singing and dancing roles.”

Behind the scenes, the stage management team and crew heads are working hard to ensure the musical running smoothly.

Costume crew head Mackenzie Barry explained the importance of accuracy in stage design.

“We always make sure things are stage accurate.  For example, when Jane’s skirt is ripped off, we ensure all those things are taken care of so it’s comfortable to do on stage and that there isn’t too much being revealed but is still realistic.”

This exciting production is packed with plot twists, romance, heartfelt family connections. Don’t miss “Disney’s Tarzan” musical at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, Friday, Nov. 7,   and Saturday, Nov. 8, in the main auditorium! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on GoFan by searching “Disney Tarzan the musical.”