By: Nora Warner
Photo Credits: Ben Alveari
Pictured: The fall play cast bows at their first performance.
On Sunday afternoon, the WAHS Players closed their production of Stephen Gregg’s The Neverland Project. Audiences of family members, friends, and community supporters filled the Black Box Theatre for each of the four performances: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings with a matinee on Sunday.
The story follows Wendy and John as they retell what really happened in Neverland, before they forget, through a project of interviews and re-creations. It was a heartfelt story highlighting the importance of childhood wonder and the bonds we make with each other. The show was also very humorous. There was also lots of audience interaction, including wearing flight goggles, being sprinkled with pixie dust, and being a part of bringing a fairy back to life. With a variety of whimsical characters and silly gimmicks, the audience was filled with smiles and laughter.
The production featured more than 30 students in grades 10-12 across the cast and crew. Many members took on new roles this year. Whether it was being selected as lead character for the first time, earning the position of stage manager, or joining the cast and crew for the first time, many students got to explore new opportunities. Senior crew member Vivian Yetter held the role of Stage Manager for the production. She said, “my experience with the Neverland Project was inspirational. I have seen so many of my peers take on the challenges of their roles on and off stage very well from my new perspective.”
Junior Carlos Urgiles, who played Peter Pan, says that the show both helped him grow as a performer, and the highlight was being a part of the production with his friends and strengthening new friendships.
Destiny McMurray, who played Wendy, reflected on her time in the fall show saying, “The dynamic and family-like environment is very unique. I’ve worked with and become close with so many people I would never think I would. I have learned I can trust and go to everyone involved. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience something like this.”
In speaking to many students in this production, a large consensus was that it was an incredibly special production to many.
After months of rehearsals and practice, receiving recognition from supportive audiences was an exciting experience for members of this production. When you support these students, you are not only supporting their singular performance, but weeks of learning and hard work overcoming challenges, resulting in their growth as individuals and friends.
L to R: Phoebe Stevens as Tinker Bell and Carlos Urgiles as Peter Pan
L to R: Tyler Marino as Smee and Brayden Hoffmann as Captain Hook
