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Woodlands High School flying with Peter Pan
By
DAVID DOW BENTLEY III
“The
People’s Critic”
(The Courier
12.11.00) In
my childhood days of the 1950's, even before the network telecasts
of "The Wizard of Oz" became an annual joy for the
nation's children, there was the magical wonder of "Peter
Pan." There was the ever-popular animated version from
Disney. |
Meanwhile,
even those of us restricted to black and white television sets
knew something special was about to happen when the NBC Peacock
spread its wings, and the announcer declared, "The following
program is brought to you in living color!" Such was the case
when the Mary Martin musical first appeared on television more
than four decades ago. It became an annual celebration in reruns
for years afterwards; and some months ago I was lucky enough to
find a DVD of that original production for ten dollars at my local
Wal-Mart. Now Christmas has come to us early with a delightful
"Peter Pan" production from the Woodlands High School.
(Performances December 7 and 8 at 7 p.m., and December 9 at 2 p.m.
Call 936-273-8530 for information and reservations.)
Director Larry Wood delivers a fine rendition of the J.M. Barrie
story. It is not the song-filled Mary Martin version, but it's
perfect fun for young theatergoers this holiday season. From a
playful opening in the charming nursery, (one of many fine set
designs from F.B.Kern) we are transported to a magical world of
fantasy. Mr. and Mrs. Darling (Lance Kramer and Erin Roche) are
losing patience as they try to get their children, Wendy (Deborah
Borchers), Michael (Jacob Jones), and John (Michael Stablein),
ready for bed before going out for the evening. The family maid,
Liza (primly played by Crystal Hawthorne) is exasperated, too. The
family dog, Nana, (woofingly portrayed by Robbie Marshall), is
adding to the confusion. And speaking of Nana, it was one of many
clever, part-puppet costumes that add exceptional creativity to
this effort. Not since "The Lion King," a few years ago
on Broadway, have I seen such unique designs combining costumes
(Designer: Elizabeth Motherwell) with puppetry (Designers: Anna
Smith and Tatiana Hinofotis).
Peter Pan(Brandon Kahn) arrives in fabulous flight and soon has
the Darling children airborne as well. This is all done with such
professional skill by Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John, that I must
mention Flying Director, Chip Christensen, and Flymaster, Brandon
Bartoskewitz. Then, just as suddenly, we are transported to the
world of Never-Never-Land. Through clever projections from
Lighting Designer, Nevin Ryan, it is a vine-covered world of
forests and mystery. Indians, Pirates, Lost Boys, and exotic
animals roam this world, and prowl the audience. (This was great
fun for all, but occasionally movement through the audience was
insufficiently lighted.) We see Kangaroo (Nikki Delhomme), Leopard
(Vanessa Stripling), Bird (Jessica Hook), Ostrich (Mary Laws), and
Crocodile (Adam DeCaulp) come vividly to life. I wish the program
had listed a chorographer for the many fine battle scenes, sword
fights, and outstanding dance numbers from Pirates, Indians and
Lost Boys. There is plenty of Laurel & Hardy style nonsense
from the pairing of Captain Hook (hilariously played by Galen
McQuillen), and his first mate, Smee (the equally riotous Andrew
McKinney). Cristina Killingsworth nicely portrays the Indian
princess, Tiger Lily. Of course Tinkerbell is on hand, too, but
you will have to look closely. As for Peter Pan himself, Mr. Kahn
brings lots of fun and energy to the role.
The Lost Boy's forest home and the two-tiered pirate ship are
further set design triumphs for Kern, who also presided over the
many fine special effects. His talented crew is too large to list
here. Hair designs from Devin Preston work especially well on the
pirates; and Make-Up Designer, Holly Theis, along with Puppet
Make-Up Designer, Karen Cox, add lots of special touches. I wish I
could mention the dozens of other students who contributed to this
success. Why not make it a family gift for the holidays and come
see for yourself? Don't forget to clap if you believe in fairies!
Visit the website at : thepeoplescritic.com
E-Mail
David Dow Bentley III
Bentley’s columns, featured in newspapers
from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast, may be viewed on the website at
www.ThePeoplesCritic.com
while E-mail may be addressed to
ThePeoplesCritic@earthlink.net
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