|
'Peter and Wendy' an awesome success |
|
March 12, 2017 |
 |
In one whirlwind week of auditioning,
song-learning, rehearsing, and performing, 64
local children brought Neverland to life in
Bonners Ferry’s Becker Auditorium last Friday
and Saturday.
Missoula Children’s Theatre’s “Peter and Wendy,”
an original production by Michael McGill,
provided opportunities for school-aged children
to perform as Neverlanders, Lost Boys, Darlings,
pirates, animals and clouds.
Together, they sang, laughed and entertained
families and friends with a cast of wacky and
bumbling characters.
From a rapping crocodile and dancing dog, to a
sassy shadow and a fairy with the flair for the
dramatic, cast members stole our hearts and made
us laugh aloud.
The cast and The Pearl dedicated this year’s
performance to long-time accompanist Lillie
Albertson, a remarkable musician and
extraordinary woman who lost her battle with
cancer February 25.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of local
businesses and The Pearl Theatre, Missoula
Children’s Theatre brought two tour
actor/directors, Scott McGee and Casey Papas,
who conducted a two-hour audition, approximately
eighteen hours of rehearsals, and two one-hour
performances. As part of their mission, they
foster the developmental life skills of all who
participate. In addition to the show, they
provided school visits, conducting two acting
workshops for Naples and Mount Hall Elementary
students this week.
“The children were so well-prepared,” said
Director Casey Papas. “Compared to other casts,
they needed very little direction to take on
their lines and perform this show."
The week began with two-hour auditions of 78
children, who practiced essential skills
necessary for participating in the show. From
the beginning of the audition, directors
observed social interactions, listening skills,
ability to follow directions, and attention to
others.
Children played “Simon Says,” sang songs, and
repeated exact lines provided by directors. The
better the children performed each skill, the
more likely the directors would choose them for
performance.
Due to the high quality of auditions, directors
chose the maximum number of performers for the
show.
They were thankful for the incredible turnout of
home school participants, which included 58 of
those auditioning, and they hope for increasing
numbers from local schools next year.
Despite the limited amount of time children had
for daily rehearsals, they put on an incredible
performance.
“If these children could put on such a great
performance in one week, imagine what they can
do with the rest of their lives,” said
actor/director Scott McGee.
While Missoula Children’s Theatre is supported
by the National Endowment of the Arts and
Montana Arts Council, these productions depend
entirely on local sponsors to close the gaps
between low tour fees and the actual cost of
touring.
In addition to The Pearl Theater, this program
appreciates the generous donations of The Log
Inn, Dr. Troy Geyman, M.D., of Bonners Ferry
Family Medicine, Dr. Hank Willis, DDS, Bonners
Ferry Rotary, Boundary County Community Theatre,
Boundary County School District 101, Bonners
Ferry Rotary, Super One Foods, Sugarplum Floral,
Trinity Lutheran Church, Eagles Aerie #3522 and
Profotofix, LLC.
Special thanks go to the endless volunteer hours
from accompanist Verla Mae Saboe, graphic
designer Ginny Kirsch, and Performance Director
Lynn Haworth from The Pearl. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
