Devon Braithwaite || Tarzan The Stage Musical

The Fame Reporter interviewed versitile actor, Devon Braithwaite he is currently starring as Kerchak in the spectacular TARZAN The Stage musical, with music by Phil Collins presented by James Terry Collective, playing at National Theatre, St Kilda, Melbourne now until 14 September.

We talked to Devon about what he loves about stepping into an iconic show like TARZAN, his challenging role, performing Phil Collins iconic music, and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter! Can you tell us what first inspired your passion for musical theatre?
I have always loved to dance, it was my first passion as a kid and my safe space.

When I discovered musical theatre, suddenly I was introduced to two new passions that complemented what I loved so much about dancing, which is storytelling.

I did my first musical when I was 13 years old and never looked back.

How did you become involved in Tarzan the Musical, and what drew you to this production?
I love all things Disney, so when James Terry announced he was bringing Tarzan to Australia (A show that I’ve had my eye on since seeing production footage of the Broadway and German companies), I couldn’t miss out on being a part of the show.

Your character plays such a vital role in telling this story — what do you find most exciting or challenging about stepping into this role?
I love playing characters that have to go on a journey in a show. Especially when there is a lot of backstory behind why they are they way they are.

There’s something so exciting to me as actor to take on a role where – for most of the musical – I’m seen as the bad guy. But to play my backstory without giving it away, until poignant moments in the second act is very thrilling.

It’s a really fun way to flex the acting muscle.

Disney’s Tarzan is beloved around the world, particularly for Phil Collins’ powerful songs. What has it been like performing this iconic score on stage?
It’s such a gift to be able to sing such iconic music with so many talented singers and actors. The music is pretty tough to get through 8 times a week – a testament to Phil’s incredible talent, but the cast has so many incredible vocalists that they make it seem so easy.

The story blends human emotion with the world of the jungle. How does the staging, choreography, and design help bring that atmosphere to life for audiences?
We have such an incredible creative team on this show that worked so hard to use theatre magic to bring this show to live.

Michael Ralph’s choreography is stunning, the physical language that he developed for this show really helps the audience (and the cast) to suspend disbelief.

The set and costumes also help so much with transporting the audience to the jungles of Africa. A show is only as strong as its weakest link, and everyone was at the top of their game for this show.

What’s it been like working with the creative team and your fellow cast members on this production?
It’s been a dream. The team managed to assemble the most stellar group of humans on this show. We all clicked so fast, and I think it reads on stage that we’re all just having a blast.

For a lot of the principal cast, we’ve all worked together on other productions in ensemble roles. To work together in leading this company is something we all find really special.

Have there been any standout or surprising moments during rehearsals that you’ll always remember?
The first time Josh (as Tarzan) swung in on the vine stands out to me massively. He’s such an incredible actor, and it’s such an iconic entrance, and he just nails it every single night.

How does performing in a venue like Melbourne’s National Theatre add to the experience of telling this story?
The national is such an intimate venue. It’s so rare for the audience to be so close to the stage.

It feels like the audience are part of the show, which makes bringing them along with us in the story so exciting.

What do you hope audiences will take away from Tarzan the Musical when the curtain comes down?
Not to judge a book by its cover.

My character particularly goes on a huge journey of overcoming his own prejudice to accept Tarzan into the family.

I think if more people took the lessons Kerchak learns throughout the show, the world would be a much better place.

Rapid Fire

Favourite song in Tarzan to perform?
The opening number! It’s such an iconic song, and seeing the audience’s reactions to first seeing the gorillas is always so much fun.

Dream role in musical theatre?
Too many to name, but I’d love to play Judd in Oklahoma or Sweeney Todd.

A show you could watch over and over again?
I think I’ve seen wicked 8 times around the world, so probably that one.

Jungle survival must-have?
Bug spray!

If you weren’t in theatre, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be running a bookshop somewhere, getting more and more people reading.