Poulsbo transformed into Never-Never Land

POULSBO — Local student actors will be given the gift of flight starting this weekend, thanks to the North Kitsap High School Drama Club’s production of “Peter Pan.”

The musical, which opens tonight at 7 p.m. at the North Kitsap Community Auditorium, features an array of complex ropes, wires and harnesses, which allow cast members to glide through the air above the stage.

“This is a phenomenal setup,” said director Randy Powell. “It’s not something you would expect to see on this stage.”

Powell chose Flying By Foy, the company that flew Mary Martin in the original Broadway production of “Peter Pan,” to provide the special effects for his play. The choice was one based on safety, as Foy is renowned for its expertise and experience. Jason Wilson, the company’s flight director for the North Kitsap play, has rigged more than 300 productions of “Peter Pan.” According to Powell, Foy is one of only four or five reputable companies that do this type of work.

“Any time you do something like this with a school district,” said Powell, “Risk Management is very wary. Because of their background with Mary Martin, we chose [Foy].”

In further interest of safety, as well as pragmatism, Powell has kept the stage simplistically yet imaginatively decorated.

“The idea is a minimal set because of the flying,” Powell said. “We’ve really put our effort into the actors and dancers and the flying.”

Once the flight gear was set up and tested by Wilson and the Foy crew, parents and students took over as the show’s rope handlers.

“The students are incredibly involved,” Powell said. “Even the students who don’t get to fly are excited.”

The chance to act on stage — not to mention fly over it — was a dream come true for NKHS Italian foreign exchange student Monica Capellani, who plays the role of Tiger Lilly.

“It’s really cool,” Capellani said. “I’ve never done something like that. In Italy, you need to pay for a course in drama in high school.”

The cast of 44 includes students from all corners of North Kitsap. A 12-piece orchestra will feature students from North Kitsap, Bainbridge and Central Kitsap schools, as well as members of the Bremerton Symphony.

Prior to tonight’s show, at 6:15 p.m., there will be a silent auction in the auditorium lobby, to raise money for the NKHS Dramatic Arts Scholarship fund.

The show continues Saturday and March 6-7 at 7 p.m. A special matinee will be March 7 at 2 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased from NKHS drama students and boosters, the ASB store and ticket window at NKHS, Liberty Bay Bookstore, and at the door.

The cost is $9 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Special Director’s Circle tickets are available for $12. Call (360) 598-8507 or email rpowell@nkschools.org for reservations.

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