Peter Pan set to soar in BHS's musical version

THURSDAY, MARCH 1: Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael will fly for the first time ever in Bermuda as part of BHS’s production of Peter Pan.

The thrilling, high-flying show will start on March 7 and continue through the weekend until March 10.

The production will be a musical version by Piers Chater Robinson of JM Barrie’s famous children’s play.

Jane Thorpe will direct the play.

She said: “It’s a very high energy show. This particular script is very close to the original story.

“It’s an all student cast ranging from age 11 to 17.

“The set has been built and designed by parents and alumni of the school with some help of students.

Mrs Thorpe continued: “The band is an all student band and we are doing the flying. The kids have loved doing it.

“When we shortlisted the show, I said I wanted to do flying. The kids have been very keen and excited.

“The technicality of the flying, in itself is exciting and impressive to watch.”

A press statement said: “The cast headlines BHS students, Emma O’Donnell as Peter Pan, Meghan Ward as Wendy, Nathaniel Sussman as Captain Hook as well as Connie Campbell as Mrs Darling, Caroline Skinner as John and Alice Graham-Welton as Michael.

“They are supported by a talented array of pirates, and Lost Boys and an all student orchestra under the direction of Emma Cowell.”

The statement continued: “For the first time in Bermuda, Peter, Wendy, John and Michael will be flying utilizing technology perfected by Flying by Foy, the theatrical special effects company who pioneered the systems which allow for soaring aerial choreography.

“Flying By Foy’s founder, Peter Foy, became famous for designing the original flying equipment for the 1954 Broadway musical production of Peter Pan starring Mary Martin.

“The company, based in Las Vegas, has been flying Peter Pans ever since.

“Flying by Foy has been in business for over sixty years and has developed flight effects for dozens of other Broadway shows including The Lion King, Billy Elliot and Mary Poppins.”

 Representatives from Flying by Foy came to the Island earlier this week to train the cast members on how to use the unique technique of theatrical flight.

As for the script, it will be the same as the original.

“The London and New York theatre publishers, Samuel French Ltd, first published Piers Chater Robinson’s Peter Pan Musical in the UK in 1985.

“The script remains faithful to JM Barrie’s original British story and the score features catchy, up-tempo musical numbers. 

“The professional show has enjoyed many box-office record-breaking seasons in United Kingdom theatres, including London’s West End and it has also been performed in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Japan, Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and across Europe.”

The shows will be held on March 7, 8 and 9 at 7pm and on March 10 at 5pm in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the Bermuda High School campus. Light refreshments and drinks will be sold prior to performances and during the short intermission.

Reserved seating tickets are $25 and general admission tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students.

There will also be a patron reception on the opening night at 6pm. Patrons tickets are $50 per person and include V.I.P. seating for the 7 p.m. performance following.

All tickets are available at BHS’s reception and more information may be obtained at [email protected].