ATTICA - Flying children, fairies, Indians and pirates have been spotted at Seneca East High School as the students prepare to present the classic fairy tale, "Peter Pan," this weekend.
Opening night is 7 p.m. Friday. Two performances are being offered at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. A matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday closes out the show.
Emily Limbird takes on the athletic role of the boy who never wants to grow up and deal with adult problems and sorrows.
Article Photos
PHOTO BY MARYANN KROMER
Marlee Alt as Tiger Lily (fourth from right) leads her tribe in a rhythmic “Indian Dance.” The Indians are Alyson Groves, Jacob Render, Carmeil Ruffing, Alexx Schwalenberg, Sarah Shade and Megan Watson.
Seth Martin and Marissa Willman, as Mr. and Mrs. Darling tuck, in their three children for the night and entrust them to the care of Nana, played by Jaclyn Willman. Michayla Stallings, Carson Pipher and Eli Heal portray Wendy, John and Michael, respectively.
Once the adults are away for the evening, Peter visits the children and describes his home, Neverland, where he and the Lost Boys have non-stop adventures with Tiger Lily and her tribe and a band of bumbling pirates led by Captain Hook.
It all sounds like great fun, but Peter tells the Darlings the residents of Neverland miss having a mother to comfort them. If Wendy could serve as a mother figure, she and her brothers could come to Neverland with Peter.
With a sprinkling of pixie dust from Tinkerbell, Peter's tiny companion, the children flit about the nursery before taking to the sky with their new friend.
Meanwhile, the audience is introduced to the Lost Boys, portrayed by Garret Clark, Taylor Heibertshausen, Rachel Stout, Theresa Barger, Bryce Watson and Brady McWilliams. The raggedy bunch is huddled in their underground bunker, waiting for Peter's return and hiding from the Indians. Marlee Alt plays Tiger Lily, and her followers are Alyson Groves, Jacob Render, Carmeil Ruffing, Alexx Schwalenberg, Sarah Shade and Megan Watson.
Scaring off the Indians are Marshall Lucius as Hook and Nicholas Nester as Smee, who bring in their swarthy band of pirates: Brennan Alt, Brooke Siesel, Ellie Essary, Jennifer Schock, Giulia Andreani, Michelle Miller, Marissa Willman and Seth Martin.
An enormous green crocodile sends Hook into a panic and the scoundrels retreat.
As the Lost Boys emerge from their hideout, they spot Wendy flying above. One of them shoots her with an arrow, a foreshadowing of misfortune to come.
Soon after, Peter arrives with Michael and John. It turns out Wendy is not seriously hurt (it's a fairy tale, after all). She agrees to serve as the boys' mother if Peter will be the father. Everyone is happy for a time, except Tinkerbell, who is jealous of Wendy.
Peter instructs his "children" with the delightful "I Won't Grow Up."
The Indians and the Lost Boys join forces after Peter and Tiger Lily save one another from the pirates. They smoke a peace pipe and perform the elaborate "Ugh-A-Wug" dance number with drums and sticks for percussion.
The plot takes a darker turn as the pirates conspire to kill the Lost Boys and keep Wendy for their own mother. Even Neverland is not immune to danger. Peter manages to save everyone from walking the plank aboard an elaborate pirate ship, but he cannot stop them from returning to the Darling home and the challenges of growing old.
Director Ron Boose is preparing his final directorial effort. He has spent 19 years working with Seneca East Students, presenting 23 shows.
In addition, Judy Watson is completing her final year as principal, with plans to retire at the end of the school year. A special alumni presentation is scheduled after the Saturday evening performance that will include all students who participated in any of Boose's musical presentations.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. For reservations, call (419) 426-3312 during school hours.
