April 7, 2007

A magical experience

Silver Oak students sparkle in Peter Pan

“Remember, it’s not how many lines you have, but what you make of the part!” declared Director Dee McNelly.

And that’s exactly what the 135 cast members did in Silver Oak Elementary School’s production of Peter Pan, transporting audiences in three sold-out shows to the magical world of Neverland.

The cast of Silver Oak Elementary School’s production of Peter Pan. Photo courtesy of Andrea J. Gibson/Imagine-Photography

Directing 135 kindergarteners through third-graders can be a daunting task, but McNelly was a natural, bringing out the best in all the actors and generating immense enthusiasm.

“I am so proud to be involved in a play directed by Dee,” said Rosalie Cartwright, the show’s costume designer and a veteran of many Silver Oak productions. “She’s a wonderful leader and teacher, with great passion, dedication, team spirit, and humbleness.”

The students also agree.

“Ms. Dee said I was a natural,” said Tate Tran, who played Captain Hook. “I don’t know what that means, but I do know that I had fun! I would love to act for Ms. Dee again.”

Sarah Barsch, who played lost boy Sunshine, said McNelly was the best director she’s ever had.

“Thank you, Ms. Dee, for dedicating your time to being our director,” she said.

It’s a pirate’s life for me
From the rapping pirates, fun loving lost boys, and inspirational Indians to the twinkling stars, luminescent mermaids, and colorful fish, this talented and enthusiastic cast had everyone struggling to decide what they’d rather be.

Carrying moonbeams home in a jar with Mallika Jain, a star who “had a great time and made lots of new friends!”

Rapping with Andrea Gmuender, who enjoyed dancing like a rapper pirate, “Yo – Yo Ho, Yo Ho.”

Spending time under the sea with Ava Acosta, a mermaid who loved her hair, makeup, and costume, “They made me feel like a real mermaid,” she said.

Creating mischief like Ryan Condensa, a.k.a. lost boy Curly, who said, “Going on stage and pretending to be someone else was the most exciting thing I’ve ever done!”

Flying like Matthew “John” Cuevas, whose thoughts echoed many of the children’s in the play, “I feel so happy, that’s why I’m doing this.”

Peter, Tink, Wendy, John, and Michael in Silver Oak Elementary School’s production of Peter Pan. Photo courtesy of Pasha Croes.

Creating mischief with Tinker Bell, played by Lillian Dennison, who said, “It was a lot of fun being a little pixie, being funky and mischievous.”

It takes a village to raise a child…

…and put on a play.

“I am thankful beyond words to the 129 parents who contributed their time and energy to making this play a success, as well as to the Silver Oak Educational Partnership and Silver Oak PTA for their sponsorship,” said McNelly.

“I’m equally grateful to the businesses who donated resources: Medius Corp. for the CDs, Alpha Graphics for the printing, Andrea Gibson for the photography, and the assistance of Riverview Systems Group for lighting and sound,” McNelly added. “The true success of this production was showing our children how we can all come together to create a magical adventure.”

And that adventure is one that many of the actors can’t wait to repeat, like mermaids Ashley Horzewski and Kelly Leonard.

After opening night, Horzewski said, “This is really fun. I want to be in the play again next year.”

And Leonard told her mom, “I want to perform in Peter Pan for the rest of my life!”