BWW Previews: PETER PAN, JR. FLIES INTO HCC Brandon Campus Theatre

Two casts of 27 kids ranging from ages six to 16 are extremely excited to bring the modern version of Peter Pan, Jr. to audiences at HCC Brandon Campus Theatre on July 21 & 22. During Florida Drama Kids' Musical Theatre Camp, when the older kids take a leadership role to peer mentor the younger students, you see firsthand the importance and positive impact of theatre in the lives of young people.

Besides learning how to work together with all different types of people, theatre builds confidence, self-esteem, creative thought and expression, and helps with public speaking which can easily be applied to a school setting.

The show is performed in two groups, the London and Neverland cast each get a matinee and evening performance.

London is helmed by 11-year-old Wyatt Roster as Peter, 10-year old Zoe Croxdale as Wendy, 14-year-old Elijah Zurek as Captain Hook, and 11-year-old Sophia Mann as Tinkerbell.

Neverland stars 12-year-old Ireland Newport as Peter Pan, 11-year-old Bella Murray as Wendy, 15-year-old Sophia Santana as Captain Hook and 9-year-old Gabby Leon as Tinkerbell.

Directed by Faith Clark and Jake Indano, and choreographed by Brittany Thomas, the casts of Peter Pan have been consistently rehearsing together during summer camp- one cast blocking on stage and the other taking notes on the performance, stage direction and libretto until it's their turn to reverse roles.

Faith explained that in this version of Peter Pan, Jr., the role of Wendy is a strong female character. In fact, she doesn't need saving, she is no longer a bystander in Peter's life - she is the hero who saves the day. By the end of show, Peter transform from a self-centered boy to someone who gives credit to Wendy and the children.

"The show really evolves in a touching and powerful manner," said Jake.

The adults involved know how important theatre arts are, yet even the children themselves understand the special opportunity that Florida Drama Kids' Musical Theatre Camp has given them. They've become friends with people they might not have without being part of the show. Brittany described it as "a unifying experience."

Bella said, "Getting to work with all these new people you get to meet is so fun. Our directors and dance coach- plus all the fun stuff we get to do while doing the show - is just amazing."

Sophia Santana agreed, "What I like best about being in Peter Pan is meeting a lot of new people. The choreography and fight scenes are really fun and exciting."

Zoe added, "I like that everybody, no matter if you got cast as Peter Pan or a mermaid or a fairy, you get pretty much the same amount of singing and lines and you're equally important."

Wyatt said, "The thing I like about being in the show is you get to be different characters that you never got to be before and you get to meet all these nice people who encourage you and help you move forward."

Through a painted backdrop and old-school theatre tricks, patrons will see Peter's shadow and flying through the "magic of silhouettes to bring Peter Pan to life in a new way," explained Jake, who also designed the set.

With such a quick turnaround from rehearsal to tech to show, Brittany gave the campers costume sheets that suggested the looks needed. Parents and students worked diligently on adding their own personal touches to their particular costumes.

"We went for the iconic looks that you would associate with the movie," explained Brittany. "Nightgown - that's Wendy or Peter Pan's is wearing a green leafy look. We gave suggestions, but it was really free reign for the parents to get creative."

One of the youngest pirates hand-designed her costume by cutting different pieces of fabric to put patches on. Elijah designed custom color-coordinated headbands for each of the Mermaids and Fairies using items found in nature.

"Some of the Lost Boys have used chocolate syrup and coffee grounds on their costumes to make them look dirty," said Faith.

Elijah hopes after seeing the performance, the audience feels nostalgia that the cast felt going through the process.

"I want the audience to see a new side of every character in the play. Unlike the movie, in the play, everyone gets their own spotlight moment," said Sophia Santana.

When asked to use a word to describe their production, several were given by students and teachers alike - new, empowering, timeless, interactive, exciting, wonderful, amazing, inspiring, unique, special, masterpiece - but the one word that stood out above all other - family.

Jake said, "When you see Peter Pan, Jr., you will see how these students grew so attached to one another and became one big inseparable family. That's a beautiful thing to watch."

Peter Pan, Jr. is at HCC Brandon Campus Theatre, 10451 Nancy Watkins Drive on Saturday, July 21 & 22 - 430pm and 7pm. Tickets are $10 and $15 premium, assigned seating. Group sales of 4 or more are $7.50. To buy tickets, go to https://www.ticketsource.us/drama-kids. To learn about Drama Kids or to register your child, please visit https://dramakids.com/brandon-apollo-beach-riverview-plant-city-fl/.

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