You "Tarzan!" Me "WHAT?"

Now, I don't usually do bitchy gossipy posts like this one. But as a huge fan of anything Disney and particularly anything Disney on Broadway, I just found it to be too hilarious that the long-maned, tan-skinned man standing on the left in the pictures below (and I use the title of "man" in the loosest sense of the word) will be playing the lead role of Tarzan in Disney's upcoming Broadway musical, now in previews at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.








These photos were discovered recently on the actor's Friendster profile. And frankly, I'm just wondering how much longer they'll last up there before the execs at ABC/Disney get their mits on them. In case you were wondering, the blonde gentlemen in most of the pics is Tarzan's very supportive "roommate" Jimmy.

Literally, this actor Josh Strickland could not be any more beautiful or aesthetically perfect for the part. But then again he could not be any more effeminate either.

As an alum of both "Star Search" and "American Idol" he's probably got the pipes to match that bod. But something tells me that it's gonna take a little more than an oversized loincloth to make up for this lady's undeniable qualities.

I'm thinking that maybe Tuesday through Thursday he can play Tarzan and perhaps the rest of the week he'll just step in for the role of Jane.

Now maybe many of you are thinking, "But, Oh Chris! It's Musical Theatre! They're ALL gay!" And to that my response is that first of all, No actually they're not. Second of all, This isn't just any old Broadway chorus boy, but the role of uber-macho-jungle-dude Tarzan. And thirdly, We all have to remember that this is DISNEY we're talking about here. And their interest in a performer who they've invested millions of dollars into is extremely involved. After all, they've got both merchandising AND little girls to think about now!

Ah, who the hell am I kidding? I wouldn't even be "outing" this dude if I thought that more than a handful of people read this stinkin' blog. To clear the air, I hope that Mr. Josh Strickland wins the Tony Award come June. And before he takes to that shining stage at Radio City Music Hall I hope that he leans over to give his "roommate" Jimmy a big fat one on the lips.

I hope so. I really do. A boy can dream that the worlds of Big Business commercialism and basic human truths can co-exist in both harmony and profit.

But, then again, I won't be at all surprised if come Opening Night, our beloved Tarzan's Friendster profile is removed and he suddenly finds himself with a new real-life "Jane" on his arm, smiling just as broadly and awkwardly as he'll be.