Spotlight On: Sing for America's 'Tarzan' in area stage debut
Easton-based siblings Taryn, Tasia, Teara, Jewel and Jorne Gilbert make up Sing for America, a singing group and theater company that produces musicals to benefit military families in need.
The siblings, together with a team of 40 Lehigh Valley cast and crew members, present "Disney's Tarzan: The Broadway Musical," July 8 - 13, auditorium, Northeast Middle School, 1170 Fernwood St., Bethlehem.
Taryn Gilbert, 24, is the eldest of the Gilbert siblings.
"We range in age from 17 to 24," says Taryn in a recent phone interview.
"We all sing and dance. We formed in 2005, shortly after 9/11.
"We wanted to do something to support our troops who are protecting our freedoms, but also keep it local. We decided to raise money for local military families."
"Disney's Tarzan" is Sing for America's seventh area production and a Lehigh Valley debut.
"We saw that it was available for licensing and really wanted to produce it. We applied for it and got it," says Taryn.
"It's just like the Disney movie but with additional songs."
All of the popular Phil Collins' songs from the movie are in the musical, including a favorite of Taryn's, "You'll Be In My Heart."
Teara, 21, designed costumes to closely match those in the Disney movie.
"We all help her design and make the costumes," says Taryn.
Taryn believes that because Sing for America is a sibling group, their productions make for a special theater experience for themselves and the audience.
"We were all home-schooled," Taryn says.
"We always spent a lot of time together. We understand each other.
"We come together and put on a show that is a collaboration of all of our ideas. We also just have a lot of fun. We have a great time."
"Disney's Tarzan: The Broadway Musical": 10 a.m. July 8, 10; 7:30 p.m. July 9 -12; 2:30 p.m. July 12, 13.
Ticket information: singforamerican.com, 610-417-2189