Cast and crew are busily learning lines, lyrics and dance steps as the Becker Middle School prepares for their spring production of “Peter Pan Jr.”, the Disney® classic musical that has been groomed and trimmed for younger actors and audiences, hence the “Jr.” appellation.

 

Director Greg Lynch was busy with full-cast rehearsals this week as he crafted the choreography for the big production numbers before setting down to individual scene rehearsals.  Carly Pruszinske leads a group of student assistant directors, while Joe Rand will handle the musical portion of the program, which features songs like “You Can Fly” and “Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life For Me.”  Rich Kimmerle will again handle the technical aspects, including sets and properties.  The multi-talented designer is reportedly also at work on an articulated artificial crocodile, so necessary for the climax of the classic J.M. Barrie adventure tale, but the details remain confidential for the moment, Lynch said.

 

The production will also feature some dramatic flying sequences, Lynch said, with representatives of the internationally-known firm of Flying by Foy on hand in the first week of March to teach a group of eight actors the basics of successful stage flying.  One of the most recent Foy productions included flying singer Katy Perry during the half-time show at the recent Super Bowl game.

 

The lead role of “Peter Pan” is being played by Megan Nelson, with Hannah Bengston as “Wendy”, Brenden Potter as “Michael” and Josie Berger as “Jane”.  “Tinkerbell” is Madi Stang, “Captain Hook” is Nathaniel Hed, leader of the Lost Children “Cubby” is Mexx Thom, “Chief Tiger Bamboo” is Morgan Peterson and “Tiger Lily” is Abby Fingarson. 

 

“Peter Pan Jr.” will open  Fri., March 20 at 7 p.m., with shows at 4 p.m. Sat., March 21 and a closing 2 p.m. matinee Sun., March 22.  All performances will take place in the Performing Arts Center at Becker High School.  Tickets ($8 for adults and senior citizens, $5 for students) will be available at the school and on-line, when a new vendor is confirmed, Lynch said. Remaining tickets will be available in the lobby before each performance as well.