The king of the jungle is taking over the ACT this week.
Xtreme Theatre presents its most ambitious play to date as Tarzan is set to open Wednesday, May 13 with 50 students taking part.
“Every year we ask ourselves ‘how are we going to top last year’s production,’” said Wendy Holm, producer of Xtreme Theatre, “and I’m not sure how we’re going to top Tarzan.”
Holm said that’s because not only of the number of students involved, but because of the elaborate costume and set design.
She said there are 47 ape costumes alone, each taking roughly 10 hours to make. Along with the two hours it takes to do hair and make-up preparation for the actors, the play is one of Xtreme’s most ambitious ventures.
She said they chose the play because it allows every student in Xtreme the chance to play a significant role.
“The play is visually stunning,” said Holm. “There’s something for everyone because it has such wide audience appeal.”
With such a big production comes countless hours of preparations. The home-schooled students, ranging in ages from 14 to 18, began working on the show in September.
Holm said the only way the group’s able to succeed after 16 years is the tremendous volunteer efforts of the parents of students.
“We have teams of set builders who give up there weekends to volunteer,” said Holm. “We couldn’t do any of this without them.”
• Tarzan runs from May 13 to 16, at 7 p.m. There is matinee on May 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.theactmapleridge.org or by calling 604-476-2787.