Maranatha Christian School has been a buzz with costume fittings, set building and rehearsals.
This year, under the direction of their drama teacher, Becky Strickland, the high school students have been working on their production, the musical Peter Panic.
As the Maranatha Players head into their 11th year of musical performances, the cast is a blend of new and experienced actors who are working together to create a show of the highest calibre.
Many of the older students have taken on the responsibility of mentoring those in grades eight and nine.
Together they grow, not only in their skills on the stage, but in their respect for one another. They truly learn what it means to work as a team.
This year, a fusion of choreographers took on the creation of the choreography for the many musical numbers in the play.
Not only has Becky Strickland been working to bring the songs to life, but she has been assisted by a fellow thespian, Stacey Poirier, and one of the actors from the play, Monika Klaue.
Both Poirier and Klaue have many years of dance background which helped develop the modern feel of the dance numbers.
“Their help was invaluable.” Strickland said, “They truly brought a new perspective to the music and what could be done.” Together the three choreographers have created some very unique numbers, full of energy and enthusiasm.
Peter Panic is the story of Pam, played by Sarah Hanet, the president of the drama club at Paint Rock High School, and her thespian friends who decide to save their club from the school budget cuts by putting on a huge production of Peter Pan. But Coach Rook, played by Matt Schuetze, has other plans.
He’s facing his own budget crisis in his football program and sets his pirates loose on the drama club to wreak havoc!
Football players audition for parts, cheerleaders become mermaids, and in desperation, Pam recruits students from detention to help out.
This refreshingly clever and fun homage to the original classic is full of heart and will remind both the young and the young-at-heart to always follow their dreams!
Peter Panic runs Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15, with a matinee on Dec. 15. Tickets are on sale at Wise Owl Toys and Maranatha Christian School; adults $10, and children (under 13) and seniors $8.
This production will be on stage at the Maranatha Christian School Theatre, 1278 Lakeview Crescent. So come fly away with Pam and the drama kids as they battle Rook and his pirates to save their Neverland.