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Hundreds of local school children and a host of other area theatre enthusiasts enjoyed five days of Bluefield College Theatre's presentation of the beloved children's classic Peter Pan, October 30 through November 3.

November 18, 2008

 Hundreds of local school children and a host of other area theatre enthusiasts enjoyed five days of Bluefield College Theatre's presentation of the beloved children's classic Peter Pan, October 30 through November 3.    

As part of the school's mission to give back to the community, BC Theatre offered three closed matinee performances of Peter Pan for local secondary schools and five public performances of the play for the community at-large in what has been said to be the "largest stage production ever" at Bluefield College.    

"We really believe that theatre is educational, both for those who perform and for those who attend," said BC Theatre's artistic director Charles Reese, who adapted the play's script from the J.M. Barrie novel. "Can you think of a better way to teach a piece of literature or to open up a student's mind to the truth of a book or story than to make it come to life right before their eyes?"    

And, through their efforts to offer educational and cultural development for residents across the region, BC Theatre members brought to life the story of Peter Pan. The production included five completely different sets, including a pirate ship and underground hideout, as well as tons of lavish costumes and puppetry, including a St. Bernard, a crocodile, and a giant bird.    

"It was quite a show," said BC Theatre's technical director Rebecca McCoy-Reese. "It was by far the most complicated special effects ever to hit the Bluefield College stage."    

As the story goes, Peter led the Lost Boys, Wendy, John, and Michael on all sorts of amazing adventures, but in the end they all had to grow up and leave their childhood behind -- all except Peter, who never grows up, but also never experiences the depth of love and joy that comes from growth and maturity.    

"Our goal was for audiences to experience all the swashbuckling fun of pirate battles and sword fights, but to also experience the bittersweet pang of loss that comes with growing older," Charles Reese said.    

Tim Kerr, son of Bluefield College professor Greg and Cheryl Kerr, led the cast of 40 as Peter Pan. He was joined by BC freshman Danielle Workman, who played the role of Wendy. BC Theatre newcomer Christian Master played Captain Hook.    

Other supporting roles consisted of Donnie Bales as Mr. Darling and Smee; Jill Fox as Mrs. Darling; C.J. Drake as John; and Bryce Fox as Michael. The Lost Boys were played by Jesse Stevens, Daniel Pelts, Griffin Jenkins, Ryan Wade, Katey Wade, and Will Olive. Leading pirates included Caleigh Keith as Cecco, Jennifer Bohannon as Starkey, and Andrew Shumate as Bill Jukes.    

Melissa Kerr played Princess Tiger Lilly, while Luke Stevens played Great Big Little Panther. Other Indians included Margaret Rich, Emily Minter, James Young, Michael Wade, Joel Wade, Joe Woodrum, Hannah Stevens, and Sarah Moxley. Other pirates were played by Rachel Russo, Trish Wise, Donovan Buterakos, Bekah Transue, William Workman, Marland Funk, and Stephanie Butch.

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