Neverland in Narragansett

A full house of parents, grandparents and siblings at the Narragansett High School was buzzing with anticipation Saturday night awaiting the opening scene of Peter and Wendy, a play adapted by Doug Rand, based on the book by J.M. Barry.

Students serving as ushers and hawking programs were dressed in suits and fedoras. The cast had been working hard since September to bring this story to life on stage.

Producer Vanessa Miller, a Pier School enrichment teacher, and director Jim Calitri had plenty of help from assistant directors and students Leah Benz, Sophia Scalora and Jake Castillo, choreographer Chelsea Cook and stage manager Daniel Gauthier.

Everything fell smoothly into place in time for Tigerlilly, played by Makayla Corrigan, to begin the show.

The costuming was outstanding for this level of theater due to the efforts of Bonnie Griffen, Anne O'Grady and Mariann "Nana" Millette. The talent and voices were so fantastic that at times you forgot you were watching middle school students. The amount of talent in one small town is astounding.

The cast was extremely poised for their ages and impressively stayed in character even when they were in the background. The exuberance and enjoyment came through in every song and dance scene.

It was wonderful to see this age group get up there without hesitation or self-consciousness and go all out. The voice talent alone was worth the price of admission. Narragansett High School will be assured of a great drama program in years to come if this cast is any indication.

The entire cast worked hard to learn its lines. With so much talent on stage, casting the leads must have been hard. The choices were mesmerizing though.

Tigerlilly and Tinkerbell (Rachel Benz) were very strong singers and dancers as well as expressive actors. Benz was especially good as a comic, adding just the right amount of sarcasm and indignation.

Peter (Mark Manocchia) hit the right note of arrogance and refusal to grow up. Kelly Gershkoff, who played Slightly of the lost boys, showed a strong sense of humor and a strong singing voice, and Rowdie McDonald as the pirate Smee was a master at comedic timing and understatement.

The entire cast put on a great show. What a great community effort equally supported by their community!