HHS to present ‘Peter Pan – Journey To Neverland’ Nov. 13-16 in new Performing Arts Center

Wendy (senior Rose Windholz) reacts to a remark from the jealous Tinkerbell (sophomore Ella Fenwick) as Peter Pan (junior Riley Flax) stares in disbelief. Courtesy photo — Wendy (senior Rose Windholz) reacts to a remark from the jealous Tinkerbell (sophomore Ella Fenwick) as Peter Pan (junior Riley Flax) stares in disbelief. Courtesy photo

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Join Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, as they sprinkle pixie dust and take you on an unforgettable adventure during Hays High School’s production of “Peter Pan – Journey to Neverland.”

Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers meet the Lost Boys and come face-to-face with a group of pirates, and of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

Twenty-four students make up the on-stage cast while another six students work behind the scenes in the upcoming production of “Peter Pan – Journey To Neverland.” The non-musical adaptation will take place in the new Hays High Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13-15 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 16. The entrance to the auditorium is located on the south side of the building. Courtesy photo

Scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13-15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16, it will be the first theatrical production in the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) at HHS. General admission tickets are $8 and are available at the door or at https://gofan.co/app/school/KS25142.

According to director Bill Gasper, the play is an original non-musical adaptation of the 1911 novel by J.M. Barrie, which is an expanded version of his 1904 play. Gasper said both the novel and play are in the public domain, which has led to numerous non-musical and musical adaptations.

Playing the critical role of storyteller is senior Allison Goertzen, who is responsible for guiding the audience through the story. Courtesy photo — Playing the critical role of storyteller is senior Allison Goertzen, who is responsible for guiding the audience through the story. Courtesy photo

“Many people mistakenly believe that Peter Pan is a musical, but that’s not the case,” Gasper said. “The first musical adaptation was the 1950 Broadway production with music and lyrics by Leonard Bernstein. In fact, it wasn’t even a full-scale musical. A later 1954 musical adaptation became the version most people recognize. Disney also released an animated musical version in 1953.”

Upon their return from Neverland, the Lost Boys and members of the Darling family encourage Mr. Darling to accept them into his London home. Courtesy photo — Upon their return from Neverland, the Lost Boys and members of the Darling family encourage Mr. Darling to accept them into his London home. Courtesy photo

Gasper said the HHS version maintains the charm of the original and explores themes of childhood, imagination, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. Changes in the play involve the humanization of Tinkerbell, as well as enhancing the roles of Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, and a group of bumbling pirates.

“When choosing the play, I wanted a family-friendly production that features a great set, cool costumes, enhanced lighting and a bit of humor mixed in,” Gasper said. “I feel we have hit the mark on all of those areas.”

As the Lost Boys hide in their underground home, several pirates have no problem identifying Starkey (junior Jacob Ridgway) as the guilty party when asked by Captain James Hook. Courtesy photo — As the Lost Boys hide in their underground home, several pirates have no problem identifying Starkey (junior Jacob Ridgway) as the guilty party when asked by Captain James Hook. Courtesy photo

One thing audiences will not see is actors “flying” about the stage, Gasper said.

“That type of theater rigging requires specialized training and can be very expensive,” Gasper said. “We’re hopeful that audience imagination will supplant the actual act of soaring above the stage. Our version features plenty of action with humorous moments throughout. It truly is a fun performance for the entire family.”

Captain James Hook (senior Bryler Russell) battles Peter Pan (junior Riley Flax) in the climactic sword duel in the second act of the production. Courtesy photo — Captain James Hook (senior Bryler Russell) battles Peter Pan (junior Riley Flax) in the climactic sword duel in the second act of the production. Courtesy photo

Patrons attending the play should note that the PAC entrance is on the south side just east of the football field. Those arriving at the front of the new high school (north side) will find those doors locked.

Smee (sophomore Shiloh Gaschler) tries to comfort the despondent captain (senior Bryler Russell) as he ruminates on what he perceives as his failure in his recurring battles with Peter Pan. Courtesy photo — Smee (sophomore Shiloh Gaschler) tries to comfort the despondent captain (senior Bryler Russell) as he ruminates on what he perceives as his failure in his recurring battles with Peter Pan. Courtesy photo

PETER PAN - JOURNEY TO NEVERLAND
Adapted and directed by Bill Gasper
From the public domain works of J.M. Barrie

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Storyteller-Allison Goertzen

Young Wendy-Kennedy Smith

Mrs. Darling-Elizabeth Nickel

Wendy Darling -Rose Windholz

John Darling-Jesse Staab

Michael Darling-Jazmine Lynd

Mr. Darling-Jacob Ridgway

Jane-Kennedy Smith

Neverland

Peter Pan-Riley Flax

Tinker Bell-Ella Fenwick

Curly-Mari Paxton

Twin 1-Rowan Neeley

Twin 2-Madicyn Urban

Slightly-Elisabeth Bergman

Tootles-Alexis Ryan

Nibs-Leah Thomas

Tiger Lily-Juliet Gross

Pirates

Captain James Hook-Bryler Russell

Starkey-Jacob Ridgway

Smee-Shiloh Gaschler

Jukes-Darrius Wise

Ceeco-Korbin Miller

Cookson-Caleb Nicholas

Noodler- Zachary Leiker

Mullins-Nevaeh Duncan

Flint-Maia Gray

Cookie-Kennedy Smith

Director-Bill Gasper

Assistant Director-Codi Fenwick

Technical Director-Jeff Bitikofer

Costume Designer-Cristi Green

Costume Assistants-Emily Buller, Sarah Leiker

Set Construction-Brad Moritz, Jerrett Leiker

Set Painting-Yvette Moritz

Props/Prop Construction-Bill Gasper, Jerrett Leiker, Codi Fenwick

Director’s Assistant/Show Caller-Anna Zerr

Stage Manager-Kennedy Walburn

Lights-Donovan States

Sound-Daniel Adkins

Flight To Neverland Video-Allison Goertzen, Jake Dechant

Program/Publicity (Print)-Bill Gasper

Publicity (Video)-Riley Flax

Social Media-Elizabeth Nickell

Stage Crew-Emily Nicholas, Jordyn Paulson