One of the most ambitious productions by the Elgin Park Players this year is also a student-directed show.
Peter Pan and Wendy, by Doug Rand, based on the novel by J.M. Barrie, will be on stage all this week (April 1-5), with performances at 7 p.m. and a matinee Saturday, April 5 at noon at Elgin Park Secondary, 13484 24 Ave.
The elaborately costumed show – with Grade 9 student Ethan Donnelly ably embodying Peter – follows in the Elgin Park tradition of giving students a learning opportunity by producing and staging a major production themselves.
Directed by Grade 12s Cassidy Poulton, Demi Montes and Morgan Phillips, with guidance from interim drama department head Sheena Johnson, the show is a colourful version of Barrie’s 1904 tale about the boy who never grows up, and his adventures with Wendy (Sophie Stanger) and her siblings John and Michael (Asher Chapman, Zach Gamble) in Neverland.
The strong cast also includes Max Kelly as infamous pirate Captain Hook, Ian Lin and Jaimie Reynolds as Mr. and Mrs. Darling, and Bianca Hayashi as Tiger Lily.
“It’s one of the best casts we’ve ever had in a school show,” said Phillips.
Poulton noted that the aim was to create an atmosphere of professionalism from casting through production.
“Being in a play is one of the greatest experiences you can have in school,” she said.
Fortunately, they said, they had the help of Donnelly’s father Dean as scenic designer and flying rig technician, while student Emerson Mohr helped oversee most of the technical direction.
For tickets ($15, $10) and information, call 604-538-6678.
