"All good things must come to an end." It's the phrase people throw out when some event of importance or significance comes to a conclusion. For me personally, I feel a bit of an emotional sting when I hear this phrase--and that is indeed the case as I sit here and write down my reflections about the closing of Peter Pan.
My mom, sister, brother and I have dreamt about bringing this show to Versailles for so long. I don't know why we love it so much, but that mutual love was something we wanted to share with our community, and I just can't believe it actually happened. When mom took over the musical 4 years ago and had a very successful run of The Sound of Music (TSoM), we knew we wanted to continue sharing a love for theater and performance with the students of Versailles. We had this gorgeous new facility with endless possibilities (at least compared to our old stage--may she rest in peace). It was literally closing night when talks of what the next year's musical would be (as is usually the case). Lindsey and I had tossed our ideas around prior to this, but nothing serious started to take form until after TSoM was finished. I remember it like it was yesterday, though. My brother, Jacob, and I were sitting at my dad's place talking about how well the community had received TSoM. We were on a high that night. There is something so unique and special about a community like Versailles, which is predominantly sports enthused (and for good reason--our sports programs are wonderful), coming together to enjoy and appreciate live theater. The feedback was just phenomenal and it lit a fire within us to try to produce an equally well-receieved production the next year.
I asked Jacob, "so what are we going to do next year?" If you know Jacob, you won't be surprised by his response which was to shrug and grunt. This means, in case you don't speak Jacobese, "I don't know." I perked up. The idea had already been spinning in my mind just waiting for the opportunity to escape my lips. Then before I could even think another second about it, the thought was out, "What do you think about Peter Pan?" Again, a grunt. But this was no ordinary grunt. It was a grunt of interest and muted excitement. And thus, the pursuit of Peter Pan began.
I feel at this point, its important to remind you all that we had already talked dreamingly about being able to do Peter Pan--but I really don't think we ever took it too seriously as the magnitude of a production like Peter Pan is far beyond anything that had been attempted by our small town--it's expensive, technically difficult, and a hard name to live up to. So in all reality, it was just a dream.
Jacob and I immediately called Lindsey, who shared 100% in our enthusiasm. Look out world, 3 Brown kids with an idea! Wait, I should reiterate. 3 stubborn Brown kids who don't take no for an answer and who, for maybe the second time in our lives, agree on an idea!! Next to pitch it to our mom. I will be honest, she didn't immediately share in our excitement--in fact, she kinda bursted our Peter Pan bubble a little bit. Or course she'd love to be able to do a production like Peter Pan. But she'd been through one production of Peter Pan in Dayton, and she knew the challenges that would face us if we tried to do it. She was the voice of reason amongst us. Plus, she'd just finished TSoM, and she was exhausted from that. However, we weren't finished pressing this issue. In our minds, it needed to happen. After a few weeks recovery from her first turn at directing, we convinced Mom to at least apply for the rights to Pan. Shortly after our application was in, our planning and momentum came to a screeching halt. Our request had been denied. Talk about knocking the wind out of your sails. No one was being granted the rights to Peter Pan because Cathy Rigby was touring the country. In fact, they told us not to even ask again until 2014.
If you've followed the theater program at all the past few years, you know that we moved on. The next two shows were Grease and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Both of which were wonderful. In fact their success further deepened our desire to do Pan. We continued to talk about it as we patiently waited for the opportunity to apply again. So, it was maybe a week after Millie when Mom agreed to put in for the rights again. This time, our expectations were lower. But, we were cautiously optimistic. The Rigby tour was over--so the biggest obstacle was now out of the way. It was maybe a week or two later when I got the text from Mom, " We got it!" I needed no further explanation! Finally, the dream was ready to become a reality.
It's been about a year now since we marched into the school one weekday afternoon to announce the musical to the kids. None of us could hardly contain our excitement. It was the moment we had been waiting for--we could finally share our joy with the community and get the ball rolling. If you didn't see it in my previous post: here's the video.
So that's the story of how Pan came to be. If you've followed the blog, you've read about the progression since auditions. So now I will focus on the last days of rehearsal and the production weekend itself.
The last two weeks were mayhem. It was the point where we married together the actors, the flying, the orchestra, the lighting, the sets, and the sound. I went to watch a rehearsal about a week and a half out and I tell you honestly, I was nervous. I was seeing where people's warnings about the difficulty of doing Peter Pan were legitimate. It seemed a week before opening wasn't enough time to bring things together the way we'd hope they'd be. I tried to assure myself that people would love it regardless of whether it met our expectations and that just the mere fact that kids were flying around stage would be exciting. I am a little ashamed of my doubt now. And if you saw the finished product you know why.
Here are a few of the final moments of rehearsal before the curtain rose for the first audience.
The Orchestra and cast meet for the first time!!
A fun fact about this show is that we utilized several musicians from Greenville High School. It was a wonderful decision. They added so much depth to the sound and for them, it was a unique opportunity since their school does't do a yearly musical. A win-win for all!
We also had several professional adult musicians which was a huge blessing. It never ceases to amaze me the willingness of some individuals to participate in a high school production when they could be doing so many other things with their talents. They see the value in it, and that is awesome.
Music Director Brian and Director Robin.
While the cast and orchestra were together for the first time rehearsing, the stage crew met with Doug from Muse Machine to work out scene transitions.
Soon, it was time to bring in ZFX and begin to teach the kids to FLY!
Mason (John) getting hooked up into his harness by his flyman, Drew.
Elizabeth (Peter) takes to the air!
3 of the 4 fliers up and away!
Patiently waiting his turn! Note: the bigger the kid, the harder it is to fly! We teased him he wasn't allowed to eat any Easter candy before the show.
Don't they all look so graceful--apparently those harnesses don't feel too good in the nether-regions.
Peter and Jane
The infamous window flight!!!
Window flight in action!
We did get them all in the air…eventually :)
Actual flying footage!!!
As you can see from the footage, they came a LONG way!!!
Adam trying on his newest accessory for size!! Perfect fit!
I'm sweet!
Stew, the man who taught our kids to fly
My personal favorite moment of the show: Michael's first flight. It was just so exciting every time and the audience's reaction was priceless every performance.
"Christmas!"
Our burly, masculine, menly-men, fly boys! These guys made it happen every night! They are awesome!
Stew and the flying kids.
So back to show time. I unfortunately didn't make it to opening night. I eagerly awaited phone calls during intermission from my sister to give me updates and for Brian to get home that night for a full run down on how things went. I literally had no fingernails as I paced my house wondering how it was going. The only thing I knew was that we had sold out and that people had been turned away. How exciting is that?!? The theater holds 451 people. So, that's a darn good crowd! I just hoped the show went smoothly. According to my sister and husband's assessment--it went so much better than expected. People loved it. The reviews were absolutely positive. The kids had a surge of energy that brought the show to life on a new level. It was a hit. Still, with all the positive feedback, I needed to see for myself. Friday night wouldn't come soon enough.
I got to the theater pretty early Friday. This was the scene when I got there.
This is about 5 minutes to curtain: full house, again!
As the lights dimmed, I held my breath. My hands were sweaty and my knees shaky. The anticipation was HUGE. Finally the orchestra finished the overture (beautifully played, I might add). So far, so good. The Darling family was charming--that's the best word I can think of to describe their opening minutes on stage. People giggled at the dog Nana, laughed at little Michael gagging down his medicine, and got a kick out of Mr. Darling and Nana's confrontation. I started to let my guard down and enjoy the show. Not completely, though, because the biggest sequence was yet to occur: flying. As the lights dimmed and Tinker Bell's entrance began I felt my heart race again. It was time for one of my favorite moments of the show: Peter's entrance. Then it happened, the window doors flew open and in a fluid sweeping motion there she (or he) was. Surrounded by a cloud of pixie dust it was just as I had pictured it would be. Holy smokes--this was really REAL. The dialogue between Peter and Wendy was seamless and natural. As if it was the first time it had ever been spoken between two people and not something that had been rehearsed for months. I forgot I was watching high school students. Then FINALLY, it was time for THE moment. The biggest reason why people told us to avoid this show--the choreographed flying song, I'm Flying, began to play. As soon as Peter took to the air, the biggest, most joyful smile took residence across my face. I felt like a kid again seeing Peter Pan for the first time. Then the vamping of music began as Peter threw the pixie dust on the Darling children as they started to think their lovely thoughts. I can't say I was surprised by what was coming because I know the show--but the pure glee I felt as Michael Darling sprung into the air as the orchestra ascended up their musical scale immediately sparked the water works. Yep, I'll admit it. I cried like a little baby. As the ballet continued and the nursery set was pulled off the stage and the flying cut loose, I grabbed my sisters leg and just looked at her, tears streaming down my face, cheesy smile still there, and I knew she knew exactly what I was thinking. "They did it. These kids made it happen and I can't believe it. Peter Pan is in Versailles."
The next two acts followed suit of the first. I can't put into words how genuinely proud I am of each and every student on that stage. They pulled together in a huge way and my goodness, did it pay off.
The lost boys--they were adorable, spunky, and acted and sang so well together. What a tremendous group of young kids.
The Indians -- precise, intense, polished, and authentic. Their numbers were the ones I looked so forward to seeing because they impressed me months ago in rehearsal. I knew they'd be good.
The Pirates -- my biggest surprise. My word were they FUNNY!! They had such quirkiness and energy! I laughed so much during their scenes.
The crocodile -- my son's favorite, and I'm sure many other kids as well. Every time that tick-tock sound started he sprung out of his seat and just laughed and laughed at that crocodile.
Liza -- an often unknown character because she doesn't appear in the Disney movie, but a lovely addition to the stage version. She is a surprise in many ways in this show beyond the fact that she is actually IN the show. Her flight to Neverland, her beautiful ballet with the animals, and her desire to learn how to crow made her lovable and memorable.
Captain Hook & Smee -- what a match made in heaven. Their chemistry was electric. They were brilliant individually, but together, wow. What a team. Two iconic characters portrayed so believably its as if they were originating their roles--the villain we love to hate and his approval seeking side-kick.
Tiger Lily -- I have been captivated by her movement and stage presence since auditions. She commands the stage. I often tried to make a point of watching others on stage with her but always found my eyes going right back to where she was. Amazing dancer and equally amazing leader to the other students.
Wendy -- such a sweet and innocent presence on stage. She captured the essence of Wendy beautifully and effortlessly.
Michael & John Darling -- these two rounded out the trio of Darling children perfectly. Little Michael was as cute as he could be. Never missing a line and so very talented. It's pretty impressive that a little one his age can act so naturally and have the stage presence he displayed. John Darling, I believe, set high the bar for the younger kids in this show. He led by example and a great example he was, too. A well-rounded kid who can not only sing, act, and dance, but fly!!
Mr. & Mrs. Darling -- These two had a hard job to do, and that was to become believable adult characters. They had to set themselves apart from their peers who were playing "younger" roles, but not just that, they were portraying their children in this show. I think they were both great! Mrs. Darling a mature and nurturing presence and Mr. Darling a tough-love promoting, no-nonsense kind of father on the exterior but who really is a softy on the inside.
Old Wendy & Jane -- Their time on stage was short but sweet. It pulled on our heart strings to see Wendy's pain in not being able to join Peter in another adventure. However, to get to see another child learn to fly represented, in a way, the everlasting joy, promise, and innocence of childhood and the never-ending legacy of the boy who would never grow up…
Peter Pan -- the heart of the show. Her performance was top notch. The challenge she faced trying to bring to life one of the most lovable children's characters of all time was no easy task. But, she rose to the occasion (literally). She captured the essence of a fun-loving, care-free, and ornery little boy with ease (or at least it seemed that way). She brought Peter Pan to life and in doing so awakened the child in each of us.
Finally, to each and every parent, community member, or family member who became immersed in this show to whatever capacity it may have been--THANK YOU. Your presence and help were what made it possible for this show to be successful. Please, never question the value of your presence and invested time--it was worth more than each or your weights in gold. It literally took a community to bring this show, this dream, to life.
In case you didn't see it, here's a few pics from the final dress rehearsal--good pictures, but nothing will do the level of the true live performance justice. It was an experience I will never, ever forget.
Thank you to each and every one of you for making the dream a reality.
Lastly, my little pirate and his "idols"...he couldn't wait to get his picture with them!
My conductor husband and his little pirate--such a happy little boy after seeing all his favorite characters live on stage!
And now, for your viewing pleasure!!
(Sorry, it's not the greatest quality--filmed on a tablet)
