In 1912 “Tarzan of the Apes,” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, was first published in “All Story Magazine” — spawning two-dozen sequels, along with multiple film and comic book adaptations. Now 100 years later, the jungle man himself swings to the stage in “Tarzan,” a musical adaptation of the popular Disney film. After ending a nearly 500-performance run on Broadway in 2007, a revamped and innovative new production hits the Arizona Broadway Theatre beginning today.

In 1912 “Tarzan of the Apes,” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, was first published in “All Story Magazine” — spawning two-dozen sequels, along with multiple film and comic book adaptations. Now 100 years later, the jungle man himself swings to the stage in “Tarzan,” a musical adaptation of the popular Disney film. After ending a nearly 500-performance run on Broadway in 2007, a revamped and innovative new production hits the Arizona Broadway Theatre beginning today.

Rhys Gilyeat takes on the physically demanding role of the title character in the Arizona premiere of Disney’s “Tarzan.” For several weeks, Gilyeat has been training to become the vine-swinging hero for Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production, which opens Friday. The former Chandler resident, who now lives in New York, returned home to the Valley for “Tarzan.”

Rhys Gilyeat takes on the physically demanding role of the title character in the Arizona premiere of Disney’s “Tarzan.” For several weeks, Gilyeat has been training to become the vine-swinging hero for Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production, which opens Friday. The former Chandler resident, who now lives in New York, returned home to the Valley for “Tarzan.”

  If you're wondering who John Carter is, and why there's a big, splashy movie about him premiering March 9, let me add two words that will make it all clear:

Every three years or so American audiences are treated to the latest animated triumph from Studio Ghibli, the Japanese artists that produced "Ponyo," "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Spirited Away." Those three films were all helmed by a true living legend, Hayao Miyazaki. In "The Secret World of Arrietty," Miyazaki once again acts as a screenwriter and producer. The directorial duties this time around, however, are left in the hands of Hiromasa Yonebayashi. In his first feature film, Yonebayashi portrays a lovely little winner well worthy of Ghibli's name.

Every three years or so American audiences are treated to the latest animated triumph from Studio Ghibli, the Japanese artists that produced "Ponyo," "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Spirited Away." Those three films were all helmed by a true living legend, Hayao Miyazaki. In "The Secret World of Arrietty," Miyazaki once again acts as a screenwriter and producer. The directorial duties this time around, however, are left in the hands of Hiromasa Yonebayashi. In his first feature film, Yonebayashi portrays a lovely little winner well worthy of Ghibli's name.

The new theater season kicks into high gear in the West Valley with plenty of thought-provoking plays, original works and big mainstream musicals. Many of the professional, community and youth theaters also will boast at least one Arizona premiere for the upcoming year. “We just want to continue having entertaining and inspiring shows for every one of all ages,” said Robyn Allen, Theater Works artistic director.

The new theater season kicks into high gear in the West Valley with plenty of thought-provoking plays, original works and big mainstream musicals. Many of the professional, community and youth theaters also will boast at least one Arizona premiere for the upcoming year. “We just want to continue having entertaining and inspiring shows for every one of all ages,” said Robyn Allen, Theater Works artistic director.

The new theater season kicks into high gear in the West Valley with plenty of thought-provoking plays, original works and big mainstream musicals. Many of the professional, community and youth theaters also will boast at least one Arizona premiere for the upcoming year. “We just want to continue having entertaining and inspiring shows for every one of all ages,” said Robyn Allen, Theater Works artistic director.

Kiel Klaphake, Arizona Broadway Theatre’s executive producer, with the help of 16 unsuspecting audience members, announced ABT’s lineup of productions for its upcoming seventh season.

Kiel Klaphake, Arizona Broadway Theatre’s executive producer, with the help of 16 unsuspecting audience members, announced ABT’s lineup of productions for its upcoming seventh season.

Kiel Klaphake, Arizona Broadway Theatre’s executive producer, with the help of 16 unsuspecting audience members, announced ABT’s lineup of productions for its upcoming seventh season.

Alan Mingo Jr. is no stranger to performing in Broadway musicals that have transitioned from animated films to the stage. Mingo has appeared in two Disney shows, including the mega hit “The Lion King” as Simba and Sebastian in “The Little Mermaid.” Now, he’s the fun-loving, wise-cracking sidekick Donkey in Dreamworks’ stage adaptation of “Shrek: The Musical,” which stops Tuesday at Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium.

Alan Mingo Jr. is no stranger to performing in Broadway musicals that have transitioned from animated films to the stage. Mingo has appeared in two Disney shows, including the mega hit “The Lion King” as Simba and Sebastian in “The Little Mermaid.” Now, he’s the fun-loving, wise-cracking sidekick Donkey in Dreamworks’ stage adaptation of “Shrek: The Musical,” which stops Tuesday at Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium.

Alan Mingo Jr. is no stranger to performing in Broadway musicals that have transitioned from animated films to the stage. Mingo has appeared in two Disney shows, including the mega hit “The Lion King” as Simba and Sebastian in “The Little Mermaid.” Now, he’s the fun-loving, wise-cracking sidekick Donkey in Dreamworks’ stage adaptation of “Shrek: The Musical,” which stops Tuesday at Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium.