Tonight: Broadview Middle School Presents 'Peter Pan'

From the Danbury Board of Education: More than 100 students will take part in the opening performance of Broadview Middle School’s production of “Peter Pan,” the story of a mischievous boy who never grows up.

The show will run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday beginning at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, 72 Hospital Ave. in Danbury. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $10.

The cast and crew are made up of 100 students, including some elementary school students. The production team: Jill Benner, the school’s k-5 music program facilitator and music and theatre arts director; Corey Pumroy (a Broadview alumna); Sue Pumroy, cafeteria manager and school mom – has worked together on school productions for the past nine years. This year they are joined by BMS teachers Jen Donovan and Lisa McCarthy, as well as local dance teacher Jen McPartlin. The team has been working with the students since October.

Benner said they hold fundraisers to come up with the $8,000 and $10,000 needed for sets, costumes and equipment. The first school production was staged with 17 students – and the productions have grown now to 100 students on stage.

“Each student has a different story. Some really love theatre and the arts and return from previous years,” Benner said. “Some has seen BMS performances and want to be a part of it. We are most proud of seeing students’ confidence grow through this program. Major life lessons, including learning empathy and compassion, are emphasized through this experience.”

The program is student run with student directors, student producers, lead technical students and a stage manager.

“A major goal is to have them become independent from us,” Benner said. “Our kids move the set pieces, run the prop tables and backstage age, design the set and sound, execute the sound and light equipment, and even change mics. Problem solving, active engagement and team building are constant through the day-to-day operations. Empowering our students to take on leadership roles has been one of my favorite parts of this program over the years.”

Photos courtesy of the Danbury Board of Education