BLT youth stage newer version of 'Peter Pan'
A youth production of “Peter Pan” is in the works at the Butler Little Theatre. The show will run July 11 to 14.
The original show is by J.M. Barrie, but the one in production is a newer version by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. The BLT show is under the direction of Christian Cendrowski.
This is the much-loved and produced story of Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael Darling, Capt. Hook, Smee, the Lost Boys, pirates and Indians, and, of course, Tinker Bell, in their adventures in Neverland.
The role of Peter Pan is being portrayed by Shadowlynn Reges-Pollarine, 15, of Petrolia.
“I have the privilege of portraying the timeless Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up. He's a sprightly young boy whose big head and determination get him through almost anything,” said Shadowlynn, who noted the role isn't just fun and games.
Staying in character can be harder than it looks. “He doesn't quite understand some emotions and he isn't very considerate to other's feelings. Sometimes my instinct is much different from what Peter's would be, so I have to make sure I stay in the mindset of Peter while acting,” she explained.
Taking on the role of Captain Hook is Shaun Klein, 19, of East Brady.
Klein will also be portraying Mr. Darling as well. “The children imagine their father as Captain Hook in Neverland. Hook doesn't care for children, and has somewhat of a superiority complex,” Klein said.
“The biggest challenge is getting all the mannerisms down and solid, without breaking out of character,” said Klein, who said he really enjoys performing.
“I love doing theater productions, as I have 13 years of experience with musical theater. However, I wanted to try my hand at performing in a regular stage show,” he said.
“Lo and behold, I love it,” he added.
Klein has appeared in the musical production of this show twice, he said, once as a pirate and once as the boatswain Smee.Victor Eberle, 15, of Butler Township is playing the part of Smee in the BLT show. “He's Hook's confidante and the nicest of all the pirates,” said Victor.“I really enjoy the camaraderie that all the members of the cast have, as well as the inside jokes and friendships we have,” he said.Victor appeared in BLT's “Treasure Island” last year, when he played Squire Trelawney. To prepare for this new role, he said he watched a variety of “Peter Pan” movies to determine how he wanted to play Smee.The storyteller, which is essentially the narrator, is a new character in the Caird-Nunn version.Luke Pfeifer, 20, of Butler is filling that role.The storyteller is sort of a dual role. “He's in the world of the show and the world of the audience. So I have to find a good medium between simple observer and ever-present character,” Pfeifer said.Pfeifer recently played George Gibbs in BLT's production of “Our Town” in May.To gear up for his role, Pfeifer chose to do a little research. “I actually looked into the life of the play's author, J.M. Barrie, and used some of the examples from his life as motivation behind different emotions portrayed throughout,” said Pfeifer.And the eldest Darling of the bunch, Wendy, is being portrayed by Naomi Eberle, 13, of Butler.She calls Wendy “a loyal and loving girl that manages to find herself the adopted mother of nine boys, and my biggest challenge is keeping a straight face,” said Naomi.Antics and amusement are bound to follow.
WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: Summer youth production of “Peter Pan”WHEN: 7 p.m. July 11, 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. July 14WHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $13, available online at Bltgroup.org or at the door 45 minutes prior to curtainINFO: Bltgroup.org
