On the evening of Saturday, December 7th, the talented theatrical group STAGES presented the play Peter Pan at the courtyard of the Omololu School.
The audience sat spellbound as the cast of young dramatists immaculately portrayed the story of a legendary character – all dressed in green as a flying boy, attended by fairies in the imaginary town of Neverland.
Peter Pan first appeared as a character in the 1902 play, “The Little White Bird”, written by Scottish novelist JM Barrie. Peter was depicted as a seven-day-old baby flying from his nursery in Kensington Gardens. Now, it is considered an amazing act of theatrical skill to have Peter Pan recreated in a play of precision performed by the local cast, STAGES, directed by playwright Mrs. Collet Jones-Chin who is a teacher at the Omololu School.
In reviewing the weekend event, Mrs. Jones-Chin stated that after two months of late nights and strenuous rehearsals, which competed with other afterschool activities, she and her actors finally pulled off two nights of stellar performances. “Staging the play Peter Pan was extremely challenging,” she said. “Challenges were faced with not having adequate space to perform, not having proper technical equipment, and there were many other besetting glitches.”
She gives great commendation, however, to the cast of 35 young actors who ranged between the ages of 5 to 19. She boasted, “These youngsters acted at their best. From acting, to singing, to movements and stage management, they worked collectively displaying all that they had been taught throughout the year. They made it so easy for me. I did not have to prod or prompt them. They just flowed.”
The Director disclosed that the lights and sound were managed by students who are in training in those areas. “The play was a magnificent success,” Mrs. Jones-Chin noted.
She said the showing of Peter Pan was STAGES annual end of year production where each child of the cast either performs or works as a crew member. She thanked every child for the role they played. Mrs. Jones-Chin also thanked all the parents who assisted in one way or another, especially in erecting the set. In addition, she thanked the following persons and entities: the Omololu International School; Chris Cutler/Fun Time; Janine Edwards / Sunset Homes; Mr. & Mrs. Chhatlani / Shop&Take/ Nikhil Fashions; Hi Tek; Tackle Box; The Anguillian newspaper; Radio Anguilla; Black Orchid; Mr. Naaman Webster; Mr. Isiah Luther; Kens Bar B Q; Michelle Owen Vasilis; Mrs. Celestine Pradel; Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Kentish; Ms. Roxanne Benjamin; Mrs. Asha Joseph; and Mr. Cecil Chin.
Staff Writer, James R. Harrigan
