Greenville High School cast to stage ‘Peter Pan’

GREENVILLE – “Peter Pan” was chosen by Greenville High School as this year’s production to showcase and acknowledge the work of the Greenville community in the restoration of the auditorium stage over summer.

More than $40,000 was raised for the rerigging of the 20-line counterweight scenery flying system, replacement of the original 1935 lighting control board, and replacement of the original red-velvet main curtain, as well as improvements of other stage fixtures.

Though the project is not yet done, with replacement of aging “masking” curtains and additional stage lighting the next targets, Greenville High School music teacher and show director Ron Dobra said he felt that “Peter Pan” presented the opportunity to use the new hardware to the maximum. Characters as well as all of the professionally painted two-story scenic drops commissioned through the decades will be “flown.” The company responsible for the flying of the Cathy Rigby production of “Peter Pan” on Broadway has been contracted to provide flying gear and technical supervision, thanks to the financial support of area businesses buying advertisement space in the program book.

The cast of “Peter Pan” involves 23 speaking characters as well as chorus members. The lead role of Peter is played by Hannah Breton, well-known for her athletic skills on the soccer field and basketball court as well as her talents in music. Hannah’s older sister, Rica Breton, plays Wendy, stepping up to take a leading role after years of stage managing and minor parts. Character actor Mark Gilbert returns after his stage debut as Daddy Warbucks in last year’s “Annie,” bringing a believable swagger to the part of Capt. Hook.

Advanced purchases of reserved seating for the 7 p.m. performances on March 19-20 at Greenville High School are available in Greenville at Moosehead Cable and Video or by calling 695-3337. General admission advance seating is available at Moosehead Cable and Video, The Corner Shop and the Greenville High School office.