Kate Howard
Reporter
The underclassmen production of Peter Pan is a timeless tale that springs to life with breathtaking artistry, memorable songs and unforgettable characters like mischievous Peter Pan, the wide-eyed Darling children, and Captain Hook. This whimsical, two-hour musical by Piers Chater Robinson is a stage adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic novel.
On Nov. 18-20, the Drama Department will present their Fall production of Peter Pan with a cast of 48 freshman and sophomores. “The entire cast is fun, nice, and supportive. Everybody is always trying to help,” freshman Rachel Guth, who plays Tiger Lily, said.
Sophomore Ashley Feldman, playing Peter Pan, said that her lead role, though it is challenging, allows her tomboy side to come out. “It’s nothing like you’ve ever experienced. Though there’s a lot more pressure and responsibility, it’s so worth it. Because not only am I learning a lot, I am having so much fun,” she said.
In the story, Peter sprinkles pixie dust onto the Darling kids, John (freshman Daniel Klingenstein), Michael (freshman Megan Mistretta), and Wendy (sophomore Christy Coco), so that they can fly. With help from Flying by Foy, the company that flew Mary Martin, the original Peter Pan in the 1954 musical, the actors are able to sing and dance while in mid-air, creating the full effect of Peter Pan. However, this is not the first-time the Drama Department has incorporated flying into one of their productions.
Ashley is one of those students lucky enough to experience this. “It’s awesome! Flying really helps the magic of the show come alive,” she said.
What is unique about this production are the 28 additional students involved backstage, several of whom are upperclassmen, making the tech and transitions possible. “It’s a whole other world of theater a lot of people don’t know about backstage. It’s where all the magic happens and you can’t do anything without them,” said student choreographer Keri DeTullio.
The performance is also a training show for upperclassmen. Keri talks about the opportunity to incorporate her own ideas into the production. Dancing since the age of three, Keri has enjoyed the experience of choreographing a show on her own. “I have been given a lot of freedom with the chorography. I was given the CD with the entire musical and Dee told me to go have fun with it. Though it is mind-boggling at first, it’s also very exciting,” she said.
The play was chosen as an attraction for all ages. “It is a great freshmen/sophomore musical. It’s fun, energetic, and most importantly good for the community in that it is kid-geared and a show they can count on,” said Drama Department Head Dee Alexander.
“Everybody knows the story of the Peter Pan,” Ashely said. “Seeing this fairytale show brings back many childhood feelings and it is fun when you can see this magical story come to life on stage.”
Tickets for the play will be on sale in the lobby during the day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and one hour prior to the show for $12 and $15 dollars.
Photos by Kate Howard
