Maine East to present modern twist on 'Peter Pan'
While virtually everyone knows and loves the classic story of "Peter Pan," Maine East High School's Fine Arts Department will present the show with a spirited, playful and modern twist at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28-30 in the school auditorium, 2601 W. Dempster St. in Park Ridge. Tickets are $7, or $5 with a Maine East ID.
In the show, a young woman, Wendy, is visited by a magical boy named Peter Pan and his friend Tinkerbell. Together, they fly off to the fantastical world of Neverland, full of mermaids, fairies, lost boys and pirates. A battle ensues between the leader of the pirates, Captain Hook and Peter. But in this adaptation by Jon Jory, Captain Hook is female. What remains unchanged are the themes of good and evil, childhood innocence and the belief of never growing up.
The show runs for about 70 minutes and features both prerecorded music and live singing. In addition to the public performances, Maine East will present a private matinee to 800 first- through fifth-grade students from Franklin and Field Elementary Schools, of Park Ridge-Niles School District 64. Maine East has provided the elementary school students with a study guide that includes a crossword puzzle, word scrambles and fun facts about "Peter Pan" in addition to an explanation of the story.
Directing the presentation are Karen Hall and Konnie Kay Sherry. Technical direction is by Jessica Mitilineos; production assistance by Amelia Kmiec; costumes by Stephanie LaFontaine.
The Fine Arts Department Chair is Edward Eubank and administrative assistant is Lisa Disparte.
Twenty-six students are working crew; while the cast consists of: Wendy: Karisma Kohli; Peter: Palash Ranjit; Tinkerbell: Jasmine Moraga; Hook: Mayah Rotter; Smee; Hailey Hawkins; Narrator: Olga Grzehyk; Mrs. Darling: Rachel Zarembski; Mr. Darling: Krystian Kuprowski; Nana: Abby Garcia; Tootles: Akshar Shah; Nibs: Jacob Carrion; Curly: Myrrh Gobenciong; Slightly: Nick Muilaert; James: Erik Olijnyk; Ceccos: Iva Galic; Skylight: Penny Veneri; Silence: Cecylia Selwocki; Starkey: Kat Templo; Whibbles: Joanne Areno; Tiger Lily: Amanda Schaefges; Prince Nicu: Georfe Philip; Toma: Angelina Hermiz; and Radu: Arianna Romano.