Youth Is Served
Look, it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's Peter Pan!
Sing Hosanna! and director Ralph Christy Jr. are gearing up for a tour of Neverland as they present the musical “Peter Pan.”
The lead role of the boy who never grew up is traditionally played by a girl, and this production is no exception. Jordan Rose Luntz of Saxonburg, a freshman at Knoch High School, tackles that role.
“When I'm on the stage, I am always Peter Pan. I think like Peter would think, act like Peter would act, and look like Peter would look. Hopefully, it's believable,” said Jordan, who enjoys the role for a personal reason as well.
“'Peter Pan' was one of the first Disney movies my Daddy ever bought me because it was his favorite, so I've been watching it for most of my life,” she said.
Pulling off the whole boy thing is a test for Jordan.
“I would have to say that the biggest challenge, though, is the fact of how huge of a role Peter really is. I'm constantly on the stage — singing, dancing, flying, and — of course — fighting with the evil Captain Hook,” she said.
The evil Hook is played by Don Hixon of Forward Township, who teaches music in the Western Beaver School District. “Captain Hook is a tortured soul fighting an enemy he can never defeat, Peter Pan and his youth,” said Hixon, who chose to do this show in order to work with his children: Trey, Leta, and Elizabeth.
“It has been an adventure as a whole family working together to find costumes and supporting each other,” he said.
Hixon directed the same musical at Western Beaver High School and is enjoying the show from a different perspective.
“It is nice to be on the other side and see how my students feel as the actors,” Hixon said.
Preparing for the role of Wendy is Sarah McAllister of Butler Township. The Butler High School junior is 16 and is just as imaginative as the character she plays.
“Wendy is a fun loving girl who is caught between a love for childhood games and the responsibilities of being an older sister,” said Sarah, who like Wendy has two siblings herself.
“I auditioned for the production because I thought it would be a really fun show. I love being on stage, acting and singing. This allows me to do all three,” she said.
Her last show was the Butler Summer Dramatics production of “Guys and Dolls” when she appeared in the chorus.
The delicate Tiger Lily in the show is portrayed by Addison Albert of Jefferson Township. She is delighted with the role because it combines her top three passions of singing, acting and dancing.
“She is the Indian princess that is loyal to Peter Pan. She is kidnapped from Neverland by Captain Hook, which sets Peter on a mission for her rescue,” Addison said.
The eighth grader from Knoch Middle School last appeared in several Sing Hosanna! productions, including “Annie” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
“I've also performed with the North Star Kids, a performance troupe in Pittsburgh, for the last three years which allowed me to perform in many different places throughout Pittsburgh and even as far as Disney World,” she said.
“Peter Pan” opens Nov. 15 at the Succop Theater. Audience members are invited to dress as their favorite “Peter Pan” characters, and prizes will be awarded nightly for the best costume.
<b>WHO: </b>Sing Hosanna!<b>WHAT:</b> “Peter Pan”<b>WHEN: </b>7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 to 17 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19<b>WHERE: </b>Succop Theater at Butler County Community College<b>TICKETS:</b> $15, available from cast members or at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., or call 724-287-8362
