We’re all familiar with the lovely childhood classic “Peter Pan”. A nostalgic story about pirates, pixie dust, and magical beings surrounded by rambunctious children.
This story has been told over and over again in multiple different ways from Disney movies, to books, and even plays. In fact our very own theater company is running the “Peter Pan and Wendy” play this Fall and with a new spin to it .
The Annandale Theater company has gone through some changes in recent years with many changes in leadership. There have been 3 different director’s each with their own visions and leadership styles for plays, musicals, and the theater company. A lot of these changes were also in a short time period which some students have found difficult. “Personally the company’s directors shift had been hard for me due to the deep attachments I had to each director, however, ATC had been preserving through this” Said junior and Tinkerbell for the Fall musical Kathleen Tran,.” However, even with these changes the cast and crew have stayed enthusiastic and hardworking” the season has been very productive so far, and has been very fun”.
Theater teacher and New director Ms. Murray really wants to preserve the magic and whimsy for the show while acknowledging that the story has some problematic elements and cultural insensitives Ms. Murray chose a version of “Peter Pan and Wendy” that would suit modern audiences better ”We are doing Peter Pan and Wendy adaption by Lauren Gundererson, the reason I chose this adaptation was because the book has a lot of what we would identify now as racism and stereotypes character and cultural appropriation” said Ms Murray When she[Lauren Gunderson] wrote the adaptation she wrote it about girl power and young woman having more choices in their life”
She decided to choose this version because she wants to bring a fun, inspiring and empowering spin to the play while having something that could be enjoyed by all audiences. But of course the director isn’t the only one excited about the play, the cast is too.
This show brings many new faces and old faces to the stage. Some are reigniting previous interests in theater, While others are here to prove something to themselves.
No matter what goal each cast member has for themselves, everyone is passionate about bringing the show to life.
Many members of the cast have found that joining this production has led to more opportunities like making new friends and deepening old friendships. “There’s so many different types of people that you communicate with and find mutual interest with.” said sophomore and Head of make up and hair Gee Riester. Working with the same groups of people for long periods of time has led to a sense of comradery and closeness because time spent together. Big a part of this production has also led to some cast members changing their perspectives and growing as a person “ it has made me more open minded.” said senior and captain hook for the fall musical Daniel Lucho said. Members of the cast have found many benefits to being a part of the team and are extremely enthusiastic about the play.
As you can see the Annandale Theater Company is excited to be bringing “Peter Pan and Wendy to Annandale. Each and every member of the cast is excited for new opportunities to make friends, fun challenges they can find solutions to, putting their own spin to iconic characters, and of course running a successful show. The show season is just beginning but it’ll only get better. The Cast and crew are excited to bring an exciting, empowering spin on the classic story.
Every show brings a new experience for cast and crew from finding unique methods of making props to having to change certain parts of the story to accommodate your cast but no matter how intense or difficult the experience is the love and respect the cast and crew has for the show shines through.
The cast and crew are extremely excited to bring the show to life.
