Brandon Twp.- The magic of ‘Peter Pan? arrives on stage at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9-10 at the Brandon High School Performing Arts Center, 1025Q S. Ortonville Road.
The boy who will not grow up is part of a 27-member cast that includes characters Wendy, John and Michael Darling, Captain Hook and sidekick Smee, the lost children, Tiger Lily, and more.
Fall Drama Director Cathy Ciesielski chose ‘Peter Pan? as this year’s play because she wanted something light and fun, which would attract a larger audience, including families. She describes the play’s genre as adventure and it brings back good childhood memories for her? Ciesielski first saw ‘Peter Pan? in 1955, when Mary Martin played the lead role in a television adaptation.
‘I think the audience will like the action, as well as a few surprises, the simplicity of the sets, and the students are doing a great job acting,? she said. ‘I think they’ll be delighted.?
John Schwartz, Jr., a senior at BHS, plays the role of Peter Pan.
‘I am partial to wearing tights and what better hero than Peter Pan?? he asks. ‘He flies, sword fights and represents youth and happiness.?
Although there is no actual flying during the play, Schwartz notes that the audience will get the effect of flying through the use of light and shadow.
‘The audience will like the action and adventure,? he said. ‘It will keep you on the edge of your seat.?
Senior Ryan Carroll was pleased to win the role of Captain Hook, as he enjoys playing the villain.
‘I don’t like him, he’s not like me and not someone I’d get along with, but he’s fun to play,? Carroll said. ?’Peter Pan? is a comedy mixed with a story that everyone can relate to, young and old.?
Megan McCoy, a junior, was surprised to be cast as Wendy, but notes that many people say she resembles the character, whom she describes as trying to be mature and very proper and intelligent. This is McCoy’s first school play.
‘I’ve always liked the movie,? she said. ‘We add our own comical aspect to it… It’s one of those plays where you’ll be smiling the whole time.?
Tickets for ‘Peter Pan? are available at the door both nights of the show, and are $6 adults, $4 for students, including college students with ID. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. each night.