Whow, an article about the Netherlands for a change! And you're right Jim, "our" version of "Tarzan" is just wonderful, and I can't compare it to the domestic version since I haven't seen that one, but since our critics were a lot more positive, I'm guessing we did a better job here.

Well, that is kinda the power of Joop van de Ende, to turn anything and everything in stunning entertainment. And let not forget that Chantal Janzen is also a major force contributing to the success of "Tarzan", since she is a big musical star over here nowadays.

I really wish I could get to any big city to see one of these shows.  Unfortunately, living in Springfield, MO and traveling on a college student's budget makes that hard.  

Any news on what Disney Theatrical might be doing in London next year?  I'll be studying there, and that'll be my best chance to catch something like this.

Hate to keep bringing this up - but I would like to know how "Mary Poppins" is doing on Broadway. I've read it's got a few bugs too. If so, I hope they get worked out before the show (hopefully) goes on tour.

The newspapers METRO and SP!TS are free and the worst in the Netherlands.

With the worst critics EVER:)

They should not be taken all that seriously.

Also, the Dutch reviews I read weren't all that positive..

The Dutch reviews were very positive... and especially the word of mouth. A lot of my friends went to visit this musical, and they had a great time. They told me it is not as good as the Lion King, but it is a fantastic musical due to the stage set up. They told me that the audience really gets envolved in the story, because off all the close contact between the audience and the actors. I guess the traditional concept of a Cirque Du Soleil type show, just works better than the now used broadway version in the US.

One thing I do HATE about the Dutch productions is that they translate the SONGS! Why oh Why do they translate the songs into our stupid language! They should just leave them in english so I can sing along :(

gigglesock - they won't be able to replicate the sets and staging of Mary Poppins on the road tour.  We visited NYC from Michigan last Christmas and it was well worth the trip - it was a bug-free presentation and was enthustically received.  (feathers - I'm sure it will still be playing in London next year and highly recommend).

We saw the US Tarzan, too - Kerchak and Kala stole every scene they were in and were the high points of the production, but most of the program didn't hit that level of excellence.  Would be interesting to see the "plussed" version.

I too think it's important to add a word of caution regarding the "raving" Dutch reviews. First off I have to agree with fellow Dutchman "empoor", Sp!ts and Metro can not be taken seriously, ever. NRC Handelsblad and Trouw on the other hand are both fine papers. But for some reason even the most respected newspapers of the Netherlands become starry-eyed by the sheer largeness of Joop's productions. The Lion King, in its "Dutch" rendition was not a good show, it was overwhelming, with impressive and original sets, costumes and fine music, but emotionally it didn't do much. Acting, stage presence and true passion were all lacking. I haven't seen Tarzan (and probably won't) but I also haven't come across true critical review of any Joop/Disney production staged in the Netherlands. Maybe "our" Tarzan is better, but don't take the word of Dutch newspapers for it. Or box office revenues for that matter, because Dutch musical fans will attend and love any Stage Holding production, no matter what the actual quality of the show.