The Rodgers has long been rumored to be the future home of the show, which draws from the Disney animated film based on characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Movin' Out announced in recent weeks that it would leave the theatre before the end of 2005, allowing Disney to announce its plans.
As previously reported, two-time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (Aida, Carousel) will direct and design scenery and costumes for Tarzan. Oscar and six-time Grammy Award winner Phil Collins has written the music and lyrics, "expanding his songs for Disney's film into a complete theatre score."
Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) has written the book, adapted from the screenplay by Tab Murphy, Bob Tzudiker and Noni White and based on the novel, "Tarzan of the Apes."
Choreography is by Meryl Tankard, with aerial movement by Pichón Baldinu (De La Guarda). Lighting design is by Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Aida) and sound design is by John Shivers. Other members of the creative team include Paul Bogaev (Music Producer/Vocal Arrangements) and Doug Besterman (Orchestrations).
Phil Collins composed five songs for the 1999 film, "Disney's TARZAN," including "Two Worlds, One Family," "Strangers Like Me" and "You'll Be In My Heart," which won the 2000 Academy Award for Song of the Year, spent 10 weeks as No. 1 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart. The soundtrack went double platinum, while the film went on to "instant international success, grossing $447 million worldwide, with subsequent DVD sales in excess of 13 million units."
Collins makes his Broadway songwriting debut with Tarzan — he's penned music and lyrics for eight new songs for the Broadway production, which also borrows from his film score.
Respected designer Bob Crowley makes his Broadway directorial debut with the show. He won the Tony for his scenery for Aida and was acclaimed for his design for Mary Poppins in London.
The 34-member cast will be announced shortly.