Peter Pan Flies onto the John Glenn Stage

Take my hand and fly across the sky

November 6, 2008
By: John Keuvelaar

Just take my hand, step out the window and fly across the city sky to Never Land.

You can do just that as the John Glenn drama department presents one of everyone's most delightful childhood fantasies in "Peter Pan." But what would a play be with Captain Hook, the alligator and the Lost Boys if Peter Pan and Tinker Bell didn't fly?

Rest assured, the John Glenn players have thought of everything.

John and Wendy Darling playing around with the maid.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Mrs. Darling sings a song to help get her children to fall asleep.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Peter Pan and Wendy meet for the first time.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

This Peter Pan is a musical based upon the Broadway version which has stared such notables as Mary Martin and Cathy Rigby. It is the traditional story of a little boy that doesn't want to grow up and befriends the Darling family.

While this is one of Director Jeanne Gilbert's favorite plays, she has added some changes sure to delight the audience. Assistant Melissa Kaczmarek assures us that "The director has added several different depths including several animal characters that kind of bridge the worlds between Never Land and the real world."

While Ms. Kaczmarek noted that the audience will hear some different music than they may be used to from the Disney version, she wouldn't give away the ending only stating, "Peter Pan, I'm not going to give away the ending but yes, there are some differences."

Peter Pan is played by sophomore Kelsey Woods. "This was the part I was hoping to get and I get to fly which is a lot of fun." But flying in the play didn't start out as fun, "It was a little scary. My heart was beating but it was fun. It's a lot of fun to just be above everyone and be able to make the magic happen."

Peter Pan rejoices in getting his shadow back.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Peter tells Wendy about Neverland where he lives with his friends the lost boys.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

And this young actress has had lots of practice at making the magic happen. "It (learning the lines) came really naturally after repeating the lines in practice and really getting into the character and learning it.

This is my 39th show so I've had a lot of practice learning lines." But when everything is said and done, it is not surprising what her favorite scene in the show is. "Probably the one where I fly is the most memorable scene. I get to fly in a couple scenes."

The Peter Pan performances will be held at the John Glenn auditorium starting this Thursday evening, November 6, at 7:30 pm with additional evening performances on Friday and Saturday, November 7th and 8th. Afternoon performances will be held at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday November 7th and 8th.

Tickets may be purchased at John Glenn High School. Cost is $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens.

Tinker Bell starts getting irritated with Wendy, whom begins to like Peter Pan.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Peter then tells the Darling siblings that the only way to fly is with the help of a happy thought and some pixie dust.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)