Character guide
Kerchak
from Tarzan
Kerchak is the wary leader of the gorilla troop in Tarzan, the 2006 Disney musical with music by Phil Collins.
- Show
- Tarzan
- Broadway premiere
- 2006
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Phil Collins
Who played Kerchak?
- On screen
- Lance Henriksen (voice), Disney's 1999 film
- Originated on Broadway
- Shuler Hensley (2006)
Kerchak: from the film to Broadway
Broadway compared with the 1999 Disney film
Lance Henriksen voiced Kerchak, the wary leader of the gorilla troop, in Disney's 1999 film; Shuler Hensley originated him on Broadway in 2006. The musical gives Kerchak a singing voice: a solo, No Other Way, and a duet with Kala, Sure As Sun Turns to Moon.
His fate carries over. In both versions the villain Clayton fatally wounds him; in the film the dying Kerchak finally accepts Tarzan as his successor.
Kerchak: role facts
- Originated on Broadway by
- Shuler Hensley (2006)
- Notable performers
- Rob Evan replaced Hensley on Broadway in March 2007.
- Voice type and range
- G#2 to F#4
- Songs Kerchak sings
- Two Worlds (with Tarzan, Kala, and ensemble)
- No Other Way (solo)
- Sure As Sun Turns to Moon (with Kala)
Who is Kerchak?
Kerchak is the head of the gorilla family that Kala brings the orphaned Tarzan into, and he remains skeptical of the human child throughout much of the story, worried about the danger he may represent to the troop. His guarded, protective instincts put him at odds with Kala's decision to raise Tarzan as her own.
Over time Kerchak's resistance softens, and his gradual, hard won acceptance of Tarzan becomes an important marker of the young man's place within the only family he has ever known, even as the human world beckons.
Kerchak's role in Tarzan
Kerchak is a supporting role defined by physical authority and a gruffness that masks real concern for the safety of his troop. The part requires a performer who can project strength and leadership while still allowing glimpses of eventual warmth toward Tarzan.
Kerchak's arc from suspicion to grudging respect gives the musical some of its quieter emotional stakes, offering a counterweight to Kala's immediate, unconditional love and underscoring the show's themes of earning trust and belonging.
Kerchak: frequently asked questions
Who voiced Kerchak in Tarzan?
Lance Henriksen voiced Kerchak in Disney's 1999 animated film. Shuler Hensley originated the role in the 2006 Broadway musical, where Kerchak sings the solo No Other Way.
Who is Kerchak in Tarzan?
Kerchak is the leader of the gorilla troop that takes in the orphaned Tarzan, and the mate of Kala, Tarzan's adoptive mother. Shuler Hensley originated the role in the original 2006 Broadway production.
What song does Kerchak sing in Tarzan?
Kerchak's solo is No Other Way, which he sings when he catches young Tarzan making a spear and, assuming the boy means to hurt the gorillas, holds Kala responsible. He also joins the opening number Two Worlds and later sings Sure As Sun Turns to Moon with Kala.
Is Kerchak married to Kala in Tarzan?
Yes, in gorilla terms: Kala is Kerchak's mate, and early in the show the pair admire their newborn son before the leopard Sabor snatches him. Kala then adopts the orphaned Tarzan, but Kerchak refuses to treat the boy as his son.
What show is Kerchak from?
Kerchak is a supporting character in Tarzan, which opened on Broadway in 2006.
Is Kerchak a lead or supporting role?
Kerchak is a supporting role as the leader of the gorilla troop.
Who wrote the music for Tarzan?
Phil Collins composed the music and lyrics for Tarzan.
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