Peter Pan Soars on to the Runnels Stage
The Runnels Theater for the Performing Arts will present J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic, Peter Pan, on stage for six performances in January, with tickets going on sale Dec. 1, 2009. The play about a boy who “won’t grow up,” is currently in production with over 150 student actors, under the direction of Ann Dalrymple, junior and senior high drama teacher, who has produced and directed several blockbuster musicals on the Runnels Stage. The main characters will actually fly in the production, under the guidance of “Flying by Foy” a company that specializes in safe flying, which has staged Peter Pan on Broadway. The actors are currently rehearsing the complicated, choreographed fight scenes, which will later be set to music with a live student orchestra.
Peter Pan will truly be a Runnels-wide effort, with over 25% of the school actively involved in the production. Featuring a huge cast of actors that range from Kindergarten through twelfth grade, the play draws students from art, band, drama, technical theater, dance and many others. Ann Dalrymple says Runnels is unique in its school-wide commitment to the arts, and “students learn the most valuable lessons of all from participating in the play, the skills of critical thinking and problem solving.”
The story opens in pre-World War II London, and travels to Never Neverland, which is populated by unruly boys, Indians, beautiful mermaids, sometimes-spiteful fairies, and the dastardliest pirate of all, Captain Hook. Peter Pan, the leader of a gang of “lost boys,” sets out for London to find the boy’s a mother. The Darling children fly with Peter back to Neverland, where they encounter a series of dangerous and hilarious adventures. The play features Gracie House as Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up; Gabriella Runnels as Wendy Darling, who Peter spirits away to be his “mother”; and Dylan Passman as Captain Hook, Peter’s arch-nemesis, who bears a grudge against Peter for cutting off his hand in battle.
Peter Pan also features a host of supporting characters, including Hope Townsend as Mrs. Darling, Wendy’s mother; Cole Connelly as Mr. Darling; Max Morgan as Smee, Hook’s right-hand-man; Adel Rahman and Dylan Miller, as Wendy’s brothers, John and Michael; and Brad Freeze in the dual roles of Nana the canine babysitter, and the Crocodile.
The play will run for six shows, including four 7:00 pm shows on Jan. 15, 16, 22 and 23; and will continue for two Sunday 2:00 pm matinees on Jan. 17 and 24. Tickets go on sale in the Runnels High School office, Dec. 1. Tickets will be $10.00 for students and $12.00 for adults in advance; and $15.00 at the door. For more information call the Runnels High School Office at 751-2192.
Download a Ticket Order Form HERE!
