Review: 'Peter Pan, Jr.' by Beacon Falls Youth Theater Group

Beacon Falls, CT - Beacon Falls Youth Theater Group (BFYTG) presented two performance of their annual musical this weekend in the auditorium at Woodland High School. In the third year of the program, the production team decided to challenge the young performers with PETER PAN JR. and the results were magical.

The junior version of the musical is based upon the play by Sir J. M. Barrie with music by Morris (Moose) Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. Additional lyrics were provided by Betty Comden and Adolph Green with additional music by Jule Styne. The directors for the BFYTG production were Ann Cook and Vincent Messina, musical directors were Chelsea Olsen and Leona Schwartz, and choreography was done by the wonderful Erin K. Moffat. Ms. Moffat told me that the students have been in rehearsal for ten months and it felt to her that in the blink of an eye, the performances were over.

“Erin K. Moffat is the most creative, artistic gal I know (but she would not let me photograph her.) She created and taught all of the marvelous dances you will see this evening.” - Producer “Miss Sue”

The entire company opened the show with a rousing performance of “Neverland” and Peter Pan got to fly during the requisite “I’m Flying” sequence. Men in black t-shirts that were trained by Pilobolus as “Flight Crew” lifted the young actress to simulate her flight and it was most charmingly effective. There was some fine dancing during “Brave Girl Dance” and coordinated stick tapping for “Ugh-A-Wug.” “Hook’s Tarantella” was another highlight, with the boys playing pirates rising to the challenge.

Hannah Moffat, a 5th grade student at Laurel Ledge, took on the challenging role of Peter Pan in her fourth performance with BFYTG. Last year she played Veruca Salt in WILLY WONKA, JR. and she appeared in both productions in the 2017 season. She played a feisty Peter Pan and moved gracefully about the stage with a fine command of her many lines.

Elyssa Acevedo, a 4th grade student at Laurel Ledge Elementary School, took on the role of Wendy Darling. Ely, as she likes to be called, made her theatrical debut in the role and did very well. Michaela Darrah, a 4th grader at Laurel Ledge and in her first year with this company, was able to shine in the role of Tiger Lily. Jackson Davis, a “lifelong resident of Beacon Falls,” had everyone laughing in the role of Smee. Mr. Davis, who is now a second grader at Laurel Ledge, appeared in his second production with this group.

Caitlyn Braun, a 5th grader at Laurel Ledge, played Mrs. Darling and Lost Boy Triplet Salty. Ethan Braun, a 2nd grader at Laurel Ledge, appeared as Pirate Noodler. Sadie Bronn, a 3rd grader, played Lost Boy Nibs. Ayla DeCrescenzo, who is in the 4th grade at Laurel Ledge, played Lost Boy Curley and Highland Evers, a 3rd grade student at Laurel Ledge appeared as Brave Girl Mela in her debut with this group. Fourth grade student Hanna Molleur played Lost Boy Triplet Zoe in her second BYYTG production. Sophia Murphy, a 3rd grade student at Laurel Ledge, played Lost Boy Snow.

Anabella Messina, 1st grade student who has been with the group since its start, played well the role of Michael Darling. Vincent Messina, a 5th grade student who has also been with BFYTG since its inception, was a wonderfully animated Captain Hook.

Clara Francoeur, a kindergarten student at Laurel Ledge who is five years of age, played Brave Girl Alice and Ginny Galasso, a 2nd grader in Mrs. Gabriel’s class, was Brave Girl Isabella. Julia Galasso (WILLY WONKA,) a 5th grade student in Mrs. Celotto’s class, understudied the role of Wendy and appeared as Lost Boy Triplet Chloe. Second grade student Jayden Gonsalves played Pirate Cecco and Brody Hussey, a 4th grade student at Laurel Ledge, was excited to experience his second production in the role of Pirate Christopher and a crew hand. Gregory Keogh, a 3rd grade student at Laurel Ledge, was the understudy for Smee and appeared in the role of Pirate Starkey.

Colin Klimkosky, at eight years of age, appeared as Pirate Jukes. Nikki Perssico, a 6th grade student at Long River Middle School, appeared as Liza and understudied the role of Captain Hook. Brianna Pitt, a 2nd grader, appeared as Lost Boy Tootles. Eight year old Alivia Ruggiano played Brave Girl Stephanie. Sofia Sargent, a 5th grade student at Laurel Ledge, played Brave Girl Storm in her debut with this company. Fourth grade student Maia Simoes did a great job as John Darling.

Norman Cook, a 5th grade student at Laurel Ledge, was scheduled to play the ticking crocodile in this fourth production with BFYTG, but an insert to the program indicated that the role was covered by Fiona Mason. Ms. Mason, a 2nd grade student, was adorable in the role of Nana in her second production with the group.

Rebecca Armstrong, a 5th grade student at Laurel Ledge, played Lost Boy Slightly in her third show with this company. Gabriella Almeida, a student at Laurel Ledge, played Lost Boy Fluffy.

Abby Paupini, a 4th grade student at Laurel Ledge, played a Lost Boy and appeared in the flying scene. Also in scene were Ms. Darrah, Ms. DeCrescenzo, Ms. Evers, G. Galasso and J. Galasso and Ms. Persicco.

The closing performance was very well attended and there were many children in the audience. The program booklet was stuffed with ads from area businesses supporting this program. Other members of the production team included Sue Dowdell as producer, Brian Humpal as the busy stage manager, Matt Kent who served as the “I’m Flying” coordinator from Pilobolus, and Michele DeCrescenzo in the role of costume coordinator. Sarah Ruggiano was the props coordinator and Tracy Hussey was set coordinator. There were also many members of the fundraising committee, a thank you gift coordinator and Mary Ellen Fernandez and Donna Taylor were the Beacon Falls Parks & Recreation Representatives.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417