Musical, a pleasant 'Panic'
BUTLER TWP — “Peter Panic — The Musical” played with energy Thursday night to a preview audience.
The classic crisis of jocks versus the drama club, with a few detention students and the economic club, was a recipe for a delightful production. Cleverly written with some catchy tunes, the fun story line unfolded in amusing fashion with a few surprises thrown in.
The Sing Hosanna! production opened with “Here in Neverland” a lament to the joys of being a student and benefits of youth. Pam and Barry, played by Nikki Ambrose and Nathanael Archer, lead the number off and the rest of the drama troupe join in.
Ambrose's performance was compelling as the optimistic drama president and the director and motivator behind the school musical. Archer played the writer of the group, as well as its grounding realist.
Sean Tweed's portrayal of James was full of sass and energy, and dare I say, drama. His overly dramatic persona was comical at best.
His equally emotional counterpart, Zoe, was played by Anna Fabrizzi. The pair put the drama in drama queen with regard to the drama club students. Fabrizzi nailed the whining and wailing well.
Their “Miss Fix it” Wrench, was played by the adorable Eden Wirtz, whose energy was tiring. She was capable, quick and quirky.
The stable encourager Lilly was portrayed by Abby McAuley, who also played Tiger Lilly. The group had great chemistry and was enjoyable to watch.
“The Greatest” production number introduced us to a group of spunky gals, who played the stereotypical cheerleaders, paired with the jocks. Maxwell McAuley portrayed Tinkerman, the star athlete of the group who was impressed with himself.
His cohorts Lefty, Thud and Harry — not to be confused with Mo, Larry and Curly — were played by Isaac Hixon, Daniel Pfeifer and Ben Orozco.
McAuley did a great job portraying his character's transition from being self-absorbed to self-sacrificing.
“The winner Takes It All” number unites the cheerleaders and the athletes, led by their fearful leader, Coach Rook, played by Malachi Stephenson, in their plans to sabotage the drama club. The bumbling Coach Smiley, assistant coach, was played by the lanky Jake Orozco whose antics played the lackey to Coach Rook.
The pair bumbled and fumbled and stumbled along their path of deception.
The detention girls are a bratty pack lead by Tory, played by Kendyl Steighner, who is sassy and harsh, but at the same time, creative and intuitive. She and Barry make a connection when they share the writing duties for the play.
The moneymakers of the economics club, Willow and John, played by Leah Harris and Trey Hixon, where a humorous pair to watch. Their duet “How Could You Not Know” was really sweet.
While there were several duets in this show, honestly it was the ensemble numbers that took center stage. The cohesiveness and harmonies of the ensemble numbers made the songs charming and enjoyable.
The score was written with students' vocals in mind, but was courageous enough to include some harmonizing, which the students delivered well.
The final number “This is Where it Starts” was the stuff of high school musicals. Ending on a high note, it was full of energy and enthusiasm, and tied all the drama together with a lovely musical bow.
Ralph Christy Jr. plucked a winner with “Peter Panic” and the cast of 30 students ages 8 to 16 rose to the challenge in making it fun and entertaining.
“Peter Panic” is based on the book by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus with music by Dennis Poore. Lyrics were by Flip Kobler.
WHO: Sing Hosanna!WHAT: “Peter Panic – The Musical”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. SundayWHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $10 for age 10 and younger and $15 for 11 and older, available at May’s Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St.INFO: Call 724-287-8362
