Tarzan: Rob Evan plays Kerchak

Rob Evan replaces Shuler Hensley in the role of Kerchak in Disney's Tarzan, currently booking through to 23 Sep 2007 at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre.

It was originally being reported in Feb 2007 that Evan was to temporarily play the role of Kerchak from 28 Mar - 6 May 2007, replacing Shuler Hensley who was leaving to star in the Westport Country Playhouse's production of Kander and Ebb's 'All About Us'.

It is now rumoured that Evan has been contracted to play the role of Kerchak through to 23 Mar 2008 as Hensley will not be returning to the show, but instead will feature in Mel Brook's upcoming musical comedy Young Frankenstein, though this as yet to be confirmed.

Rob Evan's Broadway credits include 'Little Shop of Horrors' (2003), 'Dance of the Vampires' (2002), 'Jekyll & Hyde' (1997) and 'Les Mis�rables' (1987).

Tarzan opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on the 10 May 2006, following previews from the 24 Mar 2006.

The musical opened to poor to luke-warm notices: "Almost everybody and everything swings in 'Tarzan.' Which is odd, since the show itself definitely ain't got that swing.� (New York Times), "Wouldn't make the grade as a ride at Disney World." (New York Daily News), "The show is emotionally and musically lightweight � almost as skimpy as Tarzan's leather loincloth" (Associated Press). "If you're looking for a musical that'll please kids of a wide age range, and one the adults will enjoy as well, this is it."
(newyorktheatreguide.com).

You can read more of what the ciritcs said here

The production stars Josh Strickland as Tarzan, Jenn Gambatese as Jane, Merle Dandridge as Kala, Chester Gregory II as Terk, Timothy Jerome as Professor Porter and Donnie Keshawarz as Clayton. Dylan Riley Snyder and Alex Rutherford will alternate in the role of Young Tarzan.

Directed and designed by two-time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley, Tarzan has a book by David Henry Hwang and a score by Phil Collins.

Choreography is by Meryl Tankard, with aerial movement by Pich�n Baldinu (De La Guarda). Lighting design is by Tony Award-winner Natasha Katz (Aida) and sound design is by John Shivers.