The middle school performed their show Peter/Wendy by Jeremy Bloom April 26 in the high school cafetorium.
“Peter/ Wendy is a spin on two of J.M. Barrie’s works , Peter and Wendy and The Little White Bird,” Middle School Theatre Director Kelli Cox said. “They always have the best time for their spring show. They’ve gained a lot of skill and confidence over the year.”
The play has been cut down to be more age appropriate and shorten the time.
“We adjusted a kiss scene and cut some of the scenes that were taken from The Little White Bird,” Cox said.
There is a lot of audience interaction involved in this play.
“For example, Tinker Bell nearly dies after being poisoned by Hook,” Cox said. “The audience has to work together with the actors to bring her back by showing they believe in fairies.”
The middle school rehearsed on April 23 and 24 at the high school and used the lighting board in preparation for their public performance.
“It’s amazing seeing young kids performing on a stage for the first time (with this show) and doing a great job,” high school director Greta Peterson said. “They must rehearse in the cafeteria until the week of the show and hope that they can adjust to the stage dimensions. Technically, Jax (middle school stage manager and lighting technician) is amazing and fearless. He loves playing with the lights and the light board.”
The Tinker Bell costume was made by former actor Rylee McKittrick
“Rylee was an actor in our shows last year,” Cox said. “She played Alice in Alice in Wonderland. Her sister is in our program now and plays the part of Tiger Lily.”
Allowing the middle schoolers to use the high school stage and performing in front of an audience allows the students to become more confident in their acting abilities while having fun during their last show of the year.
“They’ve also contributed a lot of creative ideas to really help the show feel like theirs,” Cox said. “I’m extremely proud of all the hard work they have put in, but most of all I’ve enjoyed watching them have so much fun.”
Middle school theatre teaches students about the stage, lights and sound, preparing them for the high school program.
“I love that our high school theatre program and other high school students want to have a hand in our programs,” Cox said. “It shows amazing commitment to your community and traditions, as well as leadership skills. It really helps my students transition when they move on to high school, because they already have older friends and role models on campus.”
