The characters were familiar. The plot was well known.
Yet, something about the Montezuma-Cortez High School Theatre Program’s recent rendition of Peter Pan was different.
Perhaps it was the colorful sets, maybe it was the outstanding stage management, or possibly it was the great acting.
Whatever it was, those in attendance were presented an opportunity to experience the timeless classic of Peter Pan as never before.
A CLASSIC PLOT,
ARTISTIC DIGRESSIONS
With all the classic characters, including the Darling siblings, Captain Hook and Peter Pan, the play’s plot was classically familiar.
A few artistic digressions however, including a humorous scene in which Mr. Darling (Rion Paxton) disposed of his medicine in Nana’s (Lizz Wilson) dog bowl kept the audience on their toes.
“There were some things that we did a little differently,” said Director Nicholaus Sandner. “I wanted the kids to know that it wasn’t the Disney Peter Pan. The Disney story is the most famous one, but the play has been around since the turn of the century.”
BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED
SETS STEAL SHOW
Bringing famous Never Land landmarks such as Skull Rock and the Lost Boys’ Tree House to life, several carefully crafted sets provided a colorful backdrop for the show.
Especially impressive was a three-dimensional model of Skull Rock, which doubled the Lost Boys’ Tree House. According to Sander, the set was crafted using wood, fiberglass, chicken wire and Paper Mache.
“I knew I that I wanted to make the sets look as natural as possible,” said Sandner. “I started off with clay and we built it from there.”
In addition to the Skull Rock set, a large alligator on wheels was maneuvered down the main aisle much to the excitement of those in attendance.
“The fact that we had a big alligator that was made out foam and wood was unique,” said stage manager Damiond Smith.
INCREDIBLE ACTING
BY A TALENTED CAST
As impressive as the plot and the sets were, Peter Pan would not have been the wonderful production that it was absent a talented cast of actors and actresses.
Especially impressive was the acting of Anakay Hanold (Wendy), Brock Belt (Hook), Bryce Stanley (Peter) and Todd Underwood (Slightly). Several other actors and actresses performed admirably as well.
“It’s fun because you get to play with the characters a lot,” said Belt. “You can be evil and menacing.”
FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
IN THE WORKS
Following a fall season that included not only Peter Pan, but Clue as well, the M-CHS Theatre Department has begun planning productions for the upcoming season.
Included in those plans is One-X, which will revolve around several student-produced plays.
According to Smith, the One-X plays are produced and directed by students and generally last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The One-X productions are scheduled to take place in January.
“I feel like our program has really been growing a lot,” said Sandner. “It is really exciting.”