Blessed Sacrament Children's Theatre's 'Peter Pan' - My Review

Blessed Sacrament Children's Theater will continue to present top notch musicals this weekend with their delightful production of Peter Pan. Bob Tansley is the dedicated director of the group who works with his co-directors Pat Hearn and Ben Orlando to get the very best performances out of the youngest of actors. The Musical Directors are Thankful MeoBurt and Keith Wilson and John O'Donnell is the Producer. CJ McNellis is the very busy Stage Manager. The show sponsor is Mathnasium owned by Maggie Tremaglio. Mr. Tansley also gives credit to the long list of parents, friends and alumni of the program that made it all possible. This year's show is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Vincente Tormo who was a set painter and one of BSCT biggest supporters.

As always, there are two casts that alternate the performances. The final dress rehearsal for the Blue Cast was Wednesday evening and Mr. Tansley had invited local veterans to attend. There were a few veterans playing in the pit orchestra as well, so the director began the rehearsal by thanking them for their service and for coming to see how hard the young people had worked to get Peter Pan on the stage, and in the case of some of the principals, off the stage. "They never cease to amaze me," announced their proud director.

Peter Pan is not an easy show to do for a variety of reason.. Beside the challenge of the flying, there is the green light of Tinkerbell, Nana the dog, fairy dust, and the huge cast of characters. During a preshow backstage tour, I was privy to a few of the secrets to the magic and got to meet some of the very excited performers. This group rose to every challenge and the result is an amazing three-act production that does not disappoint.

Mr. Tansley is not afraid of working with the very young and so he has added a cast of little animals played by pre-kindergarten through first grade students in the most adorable costumes ever, supervised by the talented Debbie Forchelli. These young ones were impossibly cute and were one of the highlights for the audience at this rehearsal. Don't miss the skunk, the ladybug and the spider. The eldest animals appear in both casts and are played by Nicholas Damato (a lion,) Elizabeth Gambini (a kangaroo,) and Kaylynn Dinklocker (an ostrich.)

The kids that play a leading role in one cast are able to appear in the other performances in a supporting role, meaning they have to learn two parts. These students that come from many area public and private schools do so without missing a beat. I will be commenting on the principal roles as played by members of the Blue Cast.

Julia Mehlin was a feisty Peter Pan that used her expressive face in the best possible way. Lauren McDuff played a fine Wendy, with Michael Meier as an adorable Michael and the terrific RJ Damato (last year's Bert Healy) as her brother John.

Dillon Sanzari, in his tenth role with BSCT, was a commanding Mr. Darling and Colleen Flanagan played the lovely Mrs. Darling. Travis Karas (Rooster in last year's Annie and technically a member of the Red cast) almost stole the show with his take on the role of Captain Hook. This teen's improvisational skills served him well and we couldn't stop laughing at his antics. His interactions with Smee, played to perfection by one of last year's Annies Grace Altenburger, were a riot.

Alyssa Dinklocker played a fine Tiger Lily. The ranking Pirates are played at all shows by Stephanie Van Duzer, Hannah Dombrowski, Angelena Guglielmo, Meghan Diorio, Hayley Tucker. Mia Gagnebin, Sam Champagne, Angelina Pinto, Karen Jones, Taylor Kunkel, and Sydney Jason play the principal Lost Boys. Maggie O'Leary, Nicole Molina and Mia Giordano share the role of Liza the maid.

The rest of the pirates did a great job of backing up the crazy captain and a bunch of young ladies sing backup for Tiger Lily. Some girls and some boys covered the roles of the lost boys. Great costumes and lots of energy that frequently come through the middle aisle kept the audience engaged.

The ten member orchestra, conducted by Mr. Wilson, sounded great without drowning out the kid's voices. Bass player Scott Spallone said it best: "The caliber of talent exhibited by, not just the cast; but everyone involved in the Blessed Sacrament student theater program, never ceases to amaze me. A six performance weekend is a major grind, and I mean for the adults! What these kids are willing to do is just remarkable! And certainly something they will remember for the rest of their lives."

The set is quite amazing and was designed by Kathie Christ, Ray Coughlin and Teri Thompson and the flying was supervised by Flying by Foy. The lighting that helped turn a gym into a theater was designed by Jerry Zalewski and the fine sound was provided by Advanced Lighting and Sound. Ben Orlando did a great job with some challenging choreography to which the entire cast rose.

Enjoy the production of Peter Pan in the air conditioned Blessed Sacrament School gym. I was glad that I brought along a jacket. Tickets are available at the school, the parish offices, Bunker Hill Pharmacy and at the door. Show times are Thursday 6/26, Friday 6/27 and Saturday 6/28 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees on Saturday 6/28 and Sunday 6/29 at 1:00. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased in advance by calling the school at 203-756-5313 or at the door.