The cast has been chosen for Bridgeport High School’s production of “Peter Pan” – and it’s a big one.

 

“We have 50 cast members,” said Director Jason Young. “That is the biggest cast we’ve worked with in the past five years.”

 

The show doesn’t necessary call for the large number of actors, but it allows for it. Since there was so much interest in the all-school production, Young said he decided to incorporate the large cast.

 

“There’s a great piece of narration that the Indians chase the Pirates, the Pirates chase the Lost Boys and the Lost Boys chase the Indians. It’s the circular activity in Neverland,” Young said. “You could have endless amounts of Lost Boys, Pirates and Indians – and we do. That’s how the cast got so big.”

 

The title role of the show has been double cast with both sophomore Bekah James and junior Sierra Shreves.

 

“This isn’t an understudy situation; it’s a true double cast, sharing performance responsibilities because with all the dress rehearsals, previews and public performances, that’ a lot of singing, a lot of dancing and a lot of flight time.”

 

And there will be flying.

 

“You really can’t do ‘Peter Pan’ without flight,” said Young. “Five years ago when we did ‘Seussical,’ flight was an additional thing. The s how could have easily been done without it. But ‘Peter Pan’ sort of mandates it.”

 

The technicality of the flying will be handled like it was during the 2010 production of “Seussical.”

 

“We’ll follow pretty much the same process. A theatrical flight company will come in and they will have all the hardware and provide all the necessary equipment, then spend three very long days with us over the course of a weekend to train us,” Young said. “Then, they will go on their way and we will handle the magic of flight.”

 

The BHS show is the 1954 Broadway version, but is being modeled after the 2000 movie starring Cathy Rigby.

 

“I love that version because she was such an amazing physical athlete,” Young said. “We’re not going to copy it, but that’s going to be our inspiration – a more athletic, fast-paced ‘Peter Pan’ as opposed to the slower one or the Disney version.”

 

Though not always recognized, the starring role is an athletic one and that’s one reason why the title role is often played by a woman.

 

“The role is written for a young boy, but a boy who still has the voice range would not be able to handle the physical demands of the role,” Young said. “It’s a problem they created when they wrote the show.”

 

To be presented March 20-22, the show also stars Maggie Lohmann as Wendy Darling, Callia Byard as Sean Darling and Wesley Cotter as Michael Darling.

 

“Those are the three kids who go to Neverland and encounter Captain Hook, who is played by Aaron Harris,” Young said. “His sidekick Mr. Smee is Luke Sambol and Tiger Lilly, the Indian Princess – which is such a great role – is played by Taryn P.”

 

Cordell Hutcheson and Jessica Pigott portray Mr. and Mrs. Darling, respectively.

 

Tonight, the student actors will rehearse for the first time, delving into the choreography of the “Ugg a Wugg” dance number.

 

“This is the number where the Lost Boys and the Indians decide they’re doing to help each other and it is massive and full of great choreography,” Young said.

 

BHS hasn’t presented “Peter Pan” since 1999. That production starred Christina Grisso in the title role.

 

“I was a sophomore at BHS so I do remember the show vaguely, but I personally never worked on it so it’s a brand new adventure for me,” he said.

 

The cast for the 2015 production is quite excited.

 

“I think they’re at the age where Peter Pan still means something to them,” Young said. “As you grow up, you sort of separate from those Disney movies a little bit, but I think they haven’t grown up enough for that. The show meant a lot to them when they were kids – so we have that sort of energy happening.” 

 

To help offset costs of the production, BHS Theatre is hosting a "Treasure Chest Sale," 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at the BHS cafeteria. Vendors, crafters, and trash to treasure enthusiasts can register by contacting Cindy James (304) 266-8270 or cindymommri@aol.com. For a fee of $25, individuals can obtain a table for the sale of wares. Spots will be granted on a first-come basis. Concessions will be provided. Admission cost is $5 per family. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured above is Shreves and Young.