Sing Hosanna! is going out on a limb for its next production, the musical “Tarzan,” which will open Nov. 14 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

Based closely on the Disney version and the book by David Henry Hwang, the music and lyrics are by Phil Collins.

Sing Hosanna! director Ralph Christy Jr. is excited about bringing a new Broadway production to Butler, but it is a mixture of delight and challenges.

“Directing a new show permits me to explore more of my creativity in sets, costumes, lighting and choreography. And, at the same time, the pressure is greater than a show that I have repeated,” said Christy.

This show is one of the most physically demanding shows that Sing Hosanna! has ever produced, he said, complete with gorilla acting and flying. “Some people have compared it to an aerobics class,” he added.

Nathan Rockcastle of Butler Township will portray the adult character of Tarzan, which is not only a physical challenge but a vocal one as well for Rockcastle.

“Much of the music for the role of Tarzan is very high in the male register. Typically, I prefer middle tenor or lower, and throughout the course of this production I was challenged to develop my falsetto quite a bit,” Rockcastle said.

Though it's been demanding, he said he's gained a tremendous amount of confidence from having his range stretched.

“This role is probably the most physically challenging role I have tackled. I have been asked to incorporate many gymnastic-like movements into the character, and of course the flying aspects of the role will be challenging,” said Rockcastle.

“It's always exciting bringing new shows to the local forum. Being the first group to do so brings some anxiety as expectations can be high, especially with the public knowing much of the Phil Collins music,” he said.

Playing the role of Jane in this production will be Jordan Luntz of Saxonburg.

The junior at Knoch High School has been performing with Sing Hosanna! for several years. Her love of the music drew her to the show, but she said she is enjoying the speaking parts immensely.

“This is the first show that I've been able to speak with an English accent, which is very exciting. I've always wanted the opportunity to do it,” Jordan said.

She loved the Disney version of “Tarzan” when she was young and was delighted to try out for this show.

She said she finds some commonality with her character.

“Jane seems to be quite the chatter box, which is similar to how I am. Also, Jane is sort of a hopeless romantic type, which I can absolutely relate to,” Jordan said. “She's outgoing and quite adventurous. All in all, I've really fallen in love with the character,” she added.

She is also excited about being able to fly in this production.

The monkey business in the show is left up to Matt Nocera of Butler, who plays the adult Terk, and Abbey Schandelmeier of Concord Township, who plays young Terk.

“I think one of the biggest strengths I've brought to this character is my sense of humor. Ninety-nine percent of the time, Terk is joking around, so I definitely tried to incorporate a bit of sarcasm into him,” said Abbey, a junior at Moniteau High School.

She said she enjoys the similarities she and her character share. “We both love to joke around with people, especially our best friends, and at the end of the day, Terk just wants himself and everyone around him to be happy, which is something I can identify with,” she said.

As Terk grows up, Nocera takes over. “I've certainly had to learn more about how apes behave and fine-tune my animal instincts. That takes an enormous amount of acting,” said Nocera.

The music is in a typically higher range than he is used to, but it's the physical side of the role that has been most demanding, he said.

“I've used muscles I never knew I had. Between the difficult but fun dancing numbers and knuckle walking as apes do, it has been challenging,” he said.

Also getting in touch with her gorilla side is Alisha Stephenson of Butler, a teacher at Lifesteps. She plays Kala.

“I bring my motherly characteristics to this character,” said Stephenson. “Kala is a very caring individual and I like to think that I have this strength as well.”

Stephenson has been eager to try out for shows, but the timing was never right before. This show is a good fit.

“When I heard the part of Kala, I knew that I wanted to try for it. It fits well with my voice and I fit with the motherly role,” she said.

The dancing required has been a bit daunting, she said, but she thinks she's adjusting well to it.

“I feel privileged to be a part of this show. I feel that the audience will be pulled into the jungle and live in the world under the trees with Tarzan and his tribe of gorillas,” Stephenson said.

Christy, the director, said this show is not a Rodgers and Hammerstein sort of musical.

“It is a joyous celebration of life whether it is human or animal, including the differences and the similarities,” Christy said.

WHO: Sing Hosanna!WHAT: “Tarzan”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. Nov. 16WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15, available at May’s Music ShoppeINFO: 724-287-8362