LCHS presents Peter Pan complete with special flying rigs

[April 27, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

Enter an enchanted world as Peter Pan and the Darling children take a magical flight to Neverland, where evil pirates, lost boys, Indians, mermaids and fairies live. You can experience these wondrous scenes when Lincoln Community High School students present the timeless adventures of Peter Pan from May 10 - 13.

This production will provide exhilarating experiences for the audience as they watch several actors “fly” through the nursery and the streets of London on their way to Neverland. Kim Peterson-Quinn, the director of Peter Pan said, “The company that is providing the flying equipment and training is called Vertigo. Basically, if there is a show that requires an actor to fly in Illinois, Vertigo is generally the company that provides this.”

Those flying in the production will be Peter Pan, who is played by Kathryn Nobbe; Wendy, who is played by Laura Centers; John, who is played by Austin Garriott; Michael, who is played by Jordan Palmer; and Jane, who is played by Melissa Harvey. These performers all wear harnesses attached to a track and pulley system that allows them to soar 10 - 12 feet above the stage and “fly” through the air. Peterson-Quinn has assembled a group of 10 community folks who have graciously volunteered to be a part of the "fly crew.”

Because the costs for this portion ranges from $7,000 to $8,000, the music and theater program worked hard to raise funds. Peter Pan Director Kim Peterson-Quinn said, “Back in September, 20 alumni of the LCHS music/theater program performed a concert to raise money for this production. It was an amazing concert and we raised a little over $2,000 at that event.” She said, “In addition, Graue Chevrolet helped us raise funds via a test drive fundraiser/car wash where another substantial part of the musicals cost was obtained” as it brought in another $2,377.

Peterson-Quinn said, “Beyond this, there have been private community members who have donated time and money to our production. Truly this has been a community effort. We are so grateful for the generosity and support from the town of Lincoln and the high school. Now it is our turn to provide our community with a magical, theatrical experience.”

Some of the actors talked about how excited they are about sharing the magical experience, music, and dancing with the community.

Nobbe (on the far right) is “excited about everything, [especially] the dances, the songs, and the flying.” She said, “Peter Pan has always been my favorite movie [and] I have worked to familiarize myself with how Peter Pan acts and moves.”

Garriott said, “it is my first major show and for it to include flying is exciting.”

Centers is happy to be a part the show and said, “It is the first show many of us have had major roles in.”

Palmer is also excited about the flying along with “playing a free and joyous character and carrying a teddy bear.”

Jack Graue (seated on stage), who plays Peter Pan’s nemesis, Captain Hook, is enthusiastic about “bringing the show to life” and said, “The music is great.”

Isaac Dueringer (sleeveless black shirt), who plays both Mr. Darling and a giant pirate is “excited to lift up a lot of people.”

Daniel Hawkins, (seated on stage with black shirt and glasses) who plays Nana and Croc said, “My spirit fits the role of a dog and a crocodile.”

Blythe Neese, who plays Tiger Lily, is excited about “dancing the Indian dances, which are way out of my comfort zone.”

Along with the exhilarating scenes are some poignant scenes. Assistant director Anthony Brummett says, “My favorite scene is when the lost boys say goodbye to Peter Pan. It made me tear up a little. For us seniors, this is our last show and at the end, we all have to say goodbye to Mrs. Peterson-Quinn.”

The full cast of Peter Pan includes:

Kathryn Nobbe as Peter Pan,
Laura Centers as Wendy,
Austin Garriott as John,
Jordan Palmer as Michael,
Issac Dueringer as Mr. Darling and Giant Pirate,
Madeline Steiner as Mrs. Darling and Nan,
Daniel Hawkins as Nana and croc,
Jack Graue as Captain Hook,
Kacey Bennet as Liza,
Melissa Harvey as Jane,
Mya Roberts as Smee,
Taerynn Sablotny as Starkey,
Eli Hewitt as Noodler,
Trestan Osborne as Bill Jukes,
Katie Hackwith and Sarah Starasta as Twins,
Abi Bishop as Slightly,
Aleaya Turley as Tootles,
Gerilyn Houghton as Curly,
Blythe Neese as Tiger Lily,

Ania Lanning, Cassie Everson, Kylie Nall, Kacey Bennett, Allison James as Indians,

Erin Gowin as Ostrich,
Makenna Frank as Lion,
and Josie Schumann as Kangaroo.

Young children are playing supporting roles as pirates, Indians, and lost boys.
The pirates include. Adrian Bonaparte, Danielle Dueringer, Violet Loeffler, Kyra Schriber, Eva Gowin, Kennedy Kerns, Paisley Baker, Jade Polen, Marin Crombie and Jaxon Young.

The Indians include Amelia Wilkerson, Makayla Curry, Alexis Lamb, Keziah Cheger, Bella Daubs, Kori Singleton, John David Dietrich and Serenity Reckers.

The lost boys include Max Miller, Savanna Vinyard, Sophia Wilkerson, Lily Duerniger, Emma Haynes, Addison Gray, Hailee Rempe, Zaylie Vanos, Damion Kendall, Norah Block, Mason Curry and Cameron Wilmert.

Others assisting with the production are Tom Steiner, Justin Cheger and Chris Tanner doing set design; Cari Wilmert doing choreography; Nigel Range directing the orchestra; Tim Searby in charge of vocal music; Anthony Brummett acting as Assistant Director; Julie Kasa as the accompanist; and Ryan Swaar doing sound.

Tickets are available at the LCHS Auditorium door and are on a first come first serve basis. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children, students, and senior citizens.

Join the talented cast and crew as they whisk the audience away to the magical world of Neverland and bring the story of Peter Pan to life at performances on Thursday, May 10th; Friday, May 11th; and Saturday, May 12th at 7:00pm and Sunday, May 13th at 2 p.m.

[Angela Reiners with photos by Mitch Douglas]

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