Carlyle Elementary School welcomed two actor/directors from the Missoula Children's Theatre for the theatre company's annual visit to the school- and by the end of their week-long session at CES, director/actors Erica Diederich and Joe Godburn- along with a cast of 45 students from kindergarten to grade nine-mounted the production “Peter and Wendy” which charmed a packed house, Friday, Dec. 9 at the school.
“What a fantastic production done by our students,” said parent Jenn Sedor of Carlyle. “I was so impressed by the hard work and dedication that was put into the show.”
Diederich and Godburn began working with the cast on Monday, Dec. 5 after school when auditions were held. Students were led through a series of exercises which showcased speech, singing and movement and the process was both fun and educational for the young dramatic hopefuls.
“We're here to give the kids an opportunity to put a production together. We want to give them an awesome experience and we want them to have fun.”
From the first rehearsals Monday evening to Friday afternoon's final dress rehearsal, the students proved they had succeeded at both of Godburn's goals.
“Peter and Wendy” was a colourful, comedic romp and an updated version of the classic tale of “Peter Pan” which featured the singing, dancing and dramatic talents of each of the young cast. The play not only uncovered and showcased local talent; it also featured some specially-written local references to the Town of Carlyle.
The cast members were as follows:
Peter Pan: Kassidy Schultz
Tinkerbell: Lily Cormier
Wendy Darling: Sydney Flynn
John Darling: Sawyer Tomaszewski
Michael Darling: Aslee Lenius
Shadow: Halle Schutz
Hook: Jaiden Riddell
Mrs. Darling: Logan Procyk
Mr. Darling: Kyra Cochrane
Nana: Karsyn Gervais
Liza: Brianna Sharp
Tiger Lily: Kenna Hagel
Crocodile: Lily Sedor
Lost Boys: Isaac Bouchard, Rylee Frache, Zadie Gervais, Brityn Baker, Tarris Valentine, Vashti Wardrope, Darcie Rae, Sydnie Bouchard and Sammy Wolfe
Neverlanders: Samantha Colpitts, Tisheya Kennedy, Raya Nahbexie, Kaysha Turner, Makenna Slykhuis
Pirates: Myla Faber, Alyssa Bee, Kirsten East, Kiera Brown, Kori Knelsen, Reinee Lafigeura, Abby Franklin
Clouds: Grayson Bloomfield, Brody Knelsen, Reese Rutten, Terran East, Tenley Gervais, Jaxson Faber, Sophie Franklin, Alix Rae, Rory Miller, Sophie Haymore, Colton Goudy, Kierra Goudy, Lennox McNaughton, Camrynn Laderoute.
Accompanist: Lindsay Greve
CES principal Tyler Fehrenbach says: “We have a lot of people to thank- Enbridge for their support of the program, Carlyle Ramada for providing accomodation for the people from Missoula, Erica and Joe from Missoula who got the kids to where they were during the week, our staff for all of their support of the kids and the families and friends who came out to enjoy the play.”
“But most of all, I've got to thank the kids,” continues Fehrenbach. “They worked hard and they did a great job. No one forgot their lines and the play was perfect. It was overall, great.”
Or as Sedor says: “Well done, everyone!”
