Fly off to Neverland with the students of Homestake Peak School
Homestake Peak School Drama Club/Courtesy photo
Follow the adventures of Peter Pan, Wendy and her brothers, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook and more this weekend by going to the fall production of “Peter Pan Jr.,” put on by the Homestake Peak School Drama Club. There will be three performances at the Homestake Peak School Auditorium Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
This popular story showcases Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up, and how he takes Wendy and her brothers John and Michael to the magical Neverland, where Wendy mothers the Lost Boys. The children go on adventures with fairies, mermaids and pirates, with Wendy becoming such a good mother that the pirate Smee asks her to be his mother, too.
The talented students at Homestake Peak School will perform this classic tale. This year, 27 kids from third through eighth grade started practicing at the end of August under the direction of Debra Swain.
“Several shows were reviewed for this year’s production. ‘Peter Pan Jr.’ was chosen for its ability to give several kids the opportunity to create their unique characters on stage, along with an incredibly fun musical score,” Swain said.
Talking the Homestake Peak School Drama Club into doing this musical wasn’t too hard. What kid doesn’t want to fly, go to Neverland and never grow up. The kids also love the pirates and their dances, as well as “I’m Flying” and “I Won’t Grow Up” and the final sword fighting scene between Hook and Pan with the Brave Girls brandishing fighting sticks to hold off the pirates. But even as fun as that sounds, the students recognized that the Lost Boys want a mother and someone who will offer them a story instead of cake. They also see the advantage of different groups coming together to defeat the villain.
Support Local Journalism
“The kids grow so much throughout this process. Many of the older kids take on roles as mentors to the younger ones, while the younger ones keep opening up and showing off their budding talents,” Swain said. “Performing arts attract an incredible diversity of personalities. We have kids who don’t participate in team sports, and yet become part of this on-stage team. We also have several who have been juggling cross country, basketball and volleyball along with their academic schedule. This is an amazing group of kids.”
The parents are heavily involved in the theatrical productions each year because this is a parent-led organization. Parents create the sets, costumes, make sure the kids are fed during rehearsals, and are doing hair and makeup before each show. Come early, as the bake sale tradition continues before each performance between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
There are many costs associated with putting on a production like this and the bake sale has been a big part of the fundraising process for years. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults and free for those three years old and under. If you are planning to go to all the performances you can get a 15% discount for all three nights. For more information, go to .
