Saturday evening Clayton middle school packed the house for its 8th and final performance of the musical Peter Pan. The casting process began back in November of last year, over 180 cast members, 2 sets of Leads, many taking on 2 roles there was a place for everyone and anyone who wanted to be a part of the production. Not to mention the "behind the scenes" cast of technical, costume, makeup and last but not least 2 incredible directors. Production began the first day of January with daily rehearsals into February for some 8+ hour long Saturday rehearsals. The flying apparatus was brought in from out-of-state (yes, Peter did fly) and required yet another team- strong, bright, responsible boys to choreograph the dances above the stage. Late nights and sore hands, Peter, Wendy, John and Tink flew (along with a few other lovely thought thinkers) in and out, up and down seemlessly. Performances began last Monday- the stage transformed - a nursery, Captn' Hooks Pirate ship and the wonderful underground world of the Lost Boys; children transformed... boys and girls in to pirates, indians and dirty little children with no mother. Young men became stout fathers and young women, mothers. Performances recieved magical reviews from both the young and old.

Back stage I witnessed something equally magical- 180 regular teenage kids - running crazy, eating, playing cards and games who at the moment that it was time to "get into character" they diligently lined up to get lipstick, eyeliner and beards applied, carefully gathering their costume pieces, concerned that they looked "just right", when the cue came for them to get on stage they scurried to line up and performed like professionals!! 2 weeks ago I probably would have thrown up at the thought of spending 4 hours with teenagers- and now I see they are beautiful, talented, committed, children with the desire to be a PART of something big, it was quite the eye-opening experience, one that I will do again! Now I must mention my boys; Andre was Mr. Darling (the father), a Pirate, and controlled the "traveler" (the vertical flying apparatus). All of this combined required countless hours learning lines, working on diction, learning dances and flying... when performance night came, not only was he excited and not nervous he was on task at all moments and never missed a beat. Branden was one of 4 Indian Braves, they had a couple of small special little parts mostly dancing...which if anyone knows B he is quite the dancer!! I was impressed with his dedication, excitment and devotion to the entire production- so NOT what I expected. I am extremely proud of both of them. Personally this was an excellent experience for me, meeting kids face to face- literally applying make-up to faces- was an opportunity I did not think I could enjoy- to my surprise I did!!