Will anyone who saw the PCSS Drama Club’s 2017 production of Alice in Wonderland not be in the Prince Charles Theatre to see Peter Pan & Wendy next month? Not likely.
“Alice in Wonderland was a high point for our program, no doubt about it,” PCSS drama teacher Brooke Douma said on Friday. “But I think Peter Pan & Wendy will also give the audience a great thrill.”
Douma spoke from a seat in the theatre’s first row while a volunteer crew worked on stage to create the sets for the new production. With two weeks to go before opening night production is in high gear.
“It seems like we are here all the time,” Douma laughed. She credits her assistant director, Jo-Ann Ewing, who is busy creating set pieces, as being instrumental to the production.
“And Jason Smith has been fantastic,” she says of the theatre’s sound and lighting director, who puts in countless volunteer hours behind the scenes, too.
“Jason needs to be given credit for most of the set design and construction,” Douma said. “ I couldn’t do it without him. He’s amazing!”
Why did she select Peter Pan & Wendy for this year’s PCSS Drama Club production?
“We had so much fun with Alice in Wonderland,” she said. “We enjoyed working on the sets and costumes and the performers loved their roles. And the response from the audience was incredible.
“It’s surprising how many kids don’t know these stories, but we are lucky to have students who are interested without really knowing the story. Peter Pan really appeals to adults who grew up with these stories—it takes us back to when we were children.”
Just creating costumes for the performers is a months-long effort. Douma, along with the help of a student who graduated last year, has been putting together costumes since last year. Some are from the drama club’s costume show, some are on loan from Creston Footlighters and others are made specifically for this year’s program.
Thirty members of the drama club are involved with this year’s production, and 23 have been cast in roles. The other seven form the stage crew.
“These fantasies give me a chance to bring out my own creativity and strengths and put them on stage,” Douma said. “It’s totally worth it. We want people to come into this theatre and escape from their real world.”
It’s not only this production that has kept Douma’s students busy. She recently took 37 students to see The Lion King in Spokane, and twice she has taken groups to New York to get an up close and personal look at Broadway productions.
These students are passionate about theatre, and I hope they get the support they deserve from the public,” Douma said. “They have earned it.”
Peter Pan & Wendy runs on March 1-2 at 7 pm and there is a March 3 matinee at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for kids five and under. They are available at Black Bear Books, the PCSS office or from cast members.