The 46-member cast of our Peter Pan JR. musical production whisked the audience away to Neverland in their performances on November 19 and 20, where they came face to face with Tiger Lily and her Indian tribe, the Lost Boys, a band of bungling pirates, and, of course, the treacherous Captain Hook. There was laughter, enthusiastic applause and cheers, and even some tears among the hundreds of  parents, family members, and friends who attended the two action-packed shows.

The show featured creative choreography and strong vocal performances by the students playing the lead roles of Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, Smee, Tiger Lily, and the Darling Family, including their St. Bernard, Nana, as well as by those in the ensemble groups of the Pirates, Lost Boys, and Brave Girls.

10th grader Kaia Barbour played the role of Peter Pan, who was able to fly, to the surprise and delight of the audience, thanks to the creativity of the backstage crew. The role of Wendy was played by 7th grader Rowynn Shevlin on November 19 and by 8th grader Chloe Weyman on November 20. Captain Hook was dual cast as well, with 10th grader Vera Huff playing the role on November 19 and 11th grader Evan Power on November 20. 12th grader Destiny Brewer played the part of Captain Hook’s loyal first mate, Smee, and 4th grader Megan Connolly was Tiger Lily. For the Darling Family, 12th grader Asher Dawkins played Mr. Darling and Mrs. Darling was played by 12th grader Caeli Barbour on November 19 and by 11th grader Jada Logan on November 20. Wendy’s three siblings — John, Liza, and Michael — were played by 4th grader Anthem Correa, 5th grader Emily Kinch, and 5th grader Brantley Haltom, respectively. 7th grader David Barker played the role of Nana, the Darling family’s dog.

The musical was directed by ACS faculty member Genevieve Huff, who had led rehearsals since early September. She was joined by a talented production team that included ACS Choral and Instrumental Music Director Tim Rosie as Musical Director, ACS faculty member Amy Parker as Choreographer, ACS parent Lee Martin as Technical Director, and ACS parent Mark Huff as Technical Assistant.

Costumes were created by faculty members Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney and Bethany Kiefer. Art Teacher Sherry Mirakian and 7th grader Lucy Huff did make-up for each performance. Mirakian also led a skilled team of eight students who hand-painted all the scenery — Gabe Capito, Sophia Capito, Rebecca DiMaio, Aine Dorsey, Gabriella Goodwin, Lucy Huff, Ryleigh Martin, and Heather Milstead. Set construction of the children’s bedroom of the Darling family, Captain Hook’s pirate ship, and much more was expertly built by ACS parents Tony Boules, Mike Capito, and Mark Huff, assisted by William Cornelius and Travis Shafer. Marilyn Harris assisted with props.

Working hard behind the scenes as backstage managers during both performances were ACS faculty and staff members — Dara Kimmerley, Lauren McCartney, Abby Meza, and Amy Williams. Two ACS students were part of the stage crew — Gabrielle Goodwin and John Smith.