‘Peter Pan Jr.’ Puts the Community in Theater | Arts & Culture
A young actress is embracing the villainous side of Neverland, and a community theater program is celebrating a significant milestone. This weekend, audiences at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center will see a production of Peter Pan Jr., marking the 100th show for a program with deep roots in the local arts scene.
A Century of Stories on Stage
The program, originally founded as Star Bright in 1997 by Laurie Kamunen, has evolved and is now part of Williamson County Parks and Recreation. This production of Peter Pan Jr. is particularly meaningful, according to WCPR children’s theatre assistant coordinator Deidra Alexander, as it aligns with the Rising Stars program’s goal of introducing young performers to classic musical theater.
Embracing the Challenge
Ninth-grader Addie Gray is taking on the role of Captain Hook, a casting choice that even surprised her. She shared with the Williamson Scene, “I wasn’t thinking that I was going to get Captain Hook at all, but I love the directing team so much and I think they saw that I could do more than what I thought I could do.” Gray’s castmates, ranging in age from 8 to 14, have dedicated ten weeks, meeting twice a week, to bring the story to life.
For eighth-grader Caroline Zdunek, the role of Peter Pan presented a unique acting challenge – playing a boy. Zdunek noted the complexities of the role, stating, “Peter has been a whole other level of an acting challenge for me, because he wants to be a boy, and the other Peter Pan is a boy, and I’m not.” Christopher Clark also plays Peter Pan in the production.
Beyond the Script
The production isn’t just about performing a beloved story; it’s about personal growth and community. Seventh-graders Nora Whinnery and Brynn Pray are sharing the role of Wendy, and are comfortable with the physical demands of the show, as older students are assisting with lifts. Whinnery finds joy in the emotional resonance of the ending, while Pray, who previously appeared in Sunday in the Park With George at Nashville Repertory Theatre, enjoys the comforting scenes with Peter Pan.
Eighth-grader Jet Tabor, having previously played King Triton in the Rising Stars’ production of The Little Mermaid, sees his role as a father figure again as an opportunity to encourage younger actors. He believes in the power of embracing vulnerability on stage, stating, “It’s definitely good to be the example for the younger kids that if they’re a little nervous their first show, that they shouldn’t be afraid to just go fully at it.”
Looking Ahead
The success of this production could lead to continued exploration of classic musicals within the Rising Stars program. The program may continue to rely on the support of older students to facilitate more ambitious staging elements. If the current cast members continue to pursue theater, audiences could see them in future productions, potentially even taking on roles in professional companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rising Stars program?
The Rising Stars program is a children’s theatre initiative of Williamson County Parks and Recreation, originally created as Star Bright in 1997, that aims to introduce kids to the world of musical theater.
How many performances of Peter Pan Jr. will there be?
There will be four performances of Peter Pan Jr. this weekend, featuring two different casts.
What age range are the performers in this production?
The cast members range in age from 8 to 14 years old.
What does it mean to be part of a community that supports artistic expression and personal growth?