'Peter and Wendy' production a success

BONNERS FERRY -- In one whirlwind week of auditioning, song-learning, rehearsing, and performing, 64 local children brought Neverland to life in Bonners Ferry’s Becker Auditorium last Friday and Saturday.

Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Peter and Wendy, an original production by Michael McGill, provided opportunities for school-aged children as Neverlanders, Lost Boys, Darlings, pirates, animals, and clouds. Together, they sang, laughed, and entertained families and friends with a cast of wacky and bumbling characters. From a rapping crocodile and dancing dog, to a sassy shadow and a fairy with the flair for the dramatic, cast members stole our hearts and made us laugh aloud.

The cast and The Pearl dedicated this year’s performance to long-time accompanist Lillie Albertson, a remarkable musician and extraordinary woman.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of local businesses and The Pearl Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre brought two tour actor/directors, Scott McGee and Casey Papas, who conducted a two-hour audition, approximately eighteen hours of rehearsals, and two one-hour performances. As part of their mission, they foster the developmental life skills of all who participate. In addition to the show, they provided school visits, conducting two acting workshops for Naples and Mount Hall Elementary students this week.

“The children were so well-prepared,” shared Director Casey Papas. “Compared to other casts, they needed very little direction to take on their lines and perform this show.”

The week began with two-hour auditions of 78 children, who practiced essential skills necessary for participating in the show. From the beginning of the audition, directors observed social interactions, listening skills, ability to follow directions, and attention to others. Children played “Simon Says,” sang songs, and repeated exact lines provided by directors. The better the children performed each skill, the more likely the directors would choose them for performance. Due to the high quality of auditions, directors chose the maximum number of performers for the show. They were thankful for the incredible turnout of home school participants, which included 58 of those auditioning, and they hope for increasing numbers from local schools next year.

Despite the limited amount of time children had for daily rehearsals, they put on an incredible performance: “If these children could put on such a great performance in one week, imagine what they can do with the rest of their lives,” said Actor/Director Scott McGee.

While Missoula Children’s Theatre is supported by the National Endowment of the Arts and Montana Arts Council, the production depends entirely on local sponsors to close the gaps between low tour fees and the actual cost of touring. In addition to The Pearl Theater, this program appreciates the generous donations of The Log Inn, Dr. Troy Geyman, M.D. of Bonners Ferry Family Medicine, Dr. Hank Willis, DDS, Bonners Ferry Rotary, Boundary County Community Theatre, Boundary County School District 101, Bonners Ferry Rotary, Super One Foods, Sugarplum Floral, Trinity Lutheran Church, Eagles Aerie #3522, and Profotofix, LLC. Special thanks go to the endless volunteer hours from accompanist Verla Mae Saboe, graphic designer Ginny Kirsch, and Performance Director Lynn Haworth from The Pearl.