By SCOTT WEISSER
THE GOSHEN NEWS
LIGONIER —
Who knew it was that easy?
The character Marcus Henderson portrays is always having fun. He’s managed to avoid the problems of adulthood, basically by not becoming an adult.
“He’s a boy that’s never been able to grow up,” Henderson said, and one who’s trapped in his own fantasy land. “...He’s always happy because he doesn’t have to deal with the stress of growing up.”
The boy is Peter Pan, the titular character in a three-show run of productions by the Theater33 troupe at West Noble High School.
Peter Pan is the third role at West Noble for Henderson following performances in “Tartuffe” and “Romeo and Juliet.” Henderson, a junior, moved to the West Noble district last year. Some people told him the theater program was fun.
“So I tried it out,” he said.
Peter Pan is a fun-loving lad, but there’s a downside to the merriment. Henderson said Peter is sort of oblivious to the feelings of other people.
“You have to be really happy but able to act ignorant,” he said of portraying Peter.
Henderson indicated Tuesday there was still much work to do to get “Peter Pan” show-ready, “but I think it’s going to be fantastic.”
“Peter Pan” is being directed by Cliff Schwartz and Amy Dreibelbis. The Theatre33 crew is making use of a thrust stage, also known as a platform or open stage, enabling the audience to be around nearly three-quarters of the stage.
“Peter Pan” will be narrated by Amber Wilkins. In addition to Henderson and Wilkins, the “Peter Pan” cast includes:
Darling Household
Nana — Joey Herrera
Mrs. Darling — Gabbie Brown
John — Max Pinkerton
Michael — Joe De Luna
Wendy — Kristen Alcala
Mr. Darling — Nelson Leuhrs
Liza — Tiffany Jaramillo
Lost Boys
Tinker Bell — Karena Wilkinson
Slightly — River Denman
Tootles — Sarah Buttgen
Nibs — Maria Carrillo
Curly — Jessi Cravens
First Twin — Marco Carrizales
Second Twin — Joey Herrera
Pirates
Captain Hook — Eduardo Aranda
Cecco — Stephanie Sanchez
Bill Jukes — Sammy Coates
Cookson — Brittany Hopkins
Gentleman Starkey — Kelsi Davidson
Mullins — Brenna Shull
Noodler — Bailey Kruger
Smee — Nelson Leuhrs
Tiger Lily — Maria Xique
Panther — Alexis Alcala
Fairies, Pirates,
Indians and Mermaids
Christina Coates, Elizabeth lee and Kaeli Hart
If you want to go
Theatre33 performances of “Peter Pan” will take place Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. on the West Noble High School stage. Tickets for adults are $7 and students are $5 for general seating. The house opens 30 minutes before the show and the box office opens one hour before the show.
