Summer Theater Soars With ‘Peter Pan’

By Tanjua Damon

The Summer Theater Connection camp held at Newtown High School is in its third year. The camp has gained popularity among youths throughout the  area who want to learn about the ins and outs of theater.

The camp organized by Newtown High School, Education Connection and Continuing Education opens the door for college, high and middle school students to create theater from their perspective. Tom and Cherie Swetts, staff members of Newtown High School, supervise the camp.

Peter Pan is this year’s featured play. It will be performed August 10 and 11.

Kathleen Mooney, a 1998 graduate of Newtown High School and a senior at Fairfield University, is this year’s director. She will work closely with over 100 youths, including 75 cast members. Miss Mooney is also one of the co-founders of the camp.

“It came down to a couple of plays. We felt this was the best opportunity to have adults in roles, children in roles – enough roles for everyone to be involved,” Miss Mooney said. “We care more about what the kids get out of it. They will have a huge hand in making the set, costumes, and props. It’s more important that the kids can say ‘Hey Mom and Dad, I made that leaf.’”

The cast of seventh through eleventh graders from 14 different schools will bring the stage alive during the second weekend in August. Miss Mooney admits directing a show can be stressful, but it is all worth it in the end.

“It’s highly stressful but I really enjoy sharing what I’ve learned,” she said. “I love it.”

Erin Zaruba and Cara Salom are heading up the choreography for the production. The two hope dancers will add to the performance and tell a story of their own.

“It’s not going to be traditional Indian music. It’s going to be rhythmic. It’s going to be very different from what you envision,” Miss Zaruba said. “I want the dancers to tell a story with their dancing. I want it to be interesting to watch.”

The production will also have a full pit orchestra, directed by college students Chris Bassett and Maggie Tomasiewicz.

“We just want it to be a good experience,” Miss Tomasiewicz said. “We want the actors to get the feeling they are really in a production.”

Katie DiPerrio and Brittany McClure are putting together costumes that will be traditional looking, but with their own unique flavor.

Newtown High School tenth grader Katie Fuller will be portraying Peter Pan. She is excited as well as nervous about being the play’s star.

“I didn’t really care what position I got. I really just wanted to act,” she said. “I didn’t believe them. I really had no idea I would get it. I hope it all comes together and it works out in the end.”

Stephen Petrovich went for the part of John during the auditions and found out he was right for the part. He has attended the summer camp before.

“This was the part I wanted. I wanted to fly. I came last year and had a great time,” Stephen said. “I feel like it’s one of the only things I really, really enjoy. I am most happy performing.”

Amanda Eventoff will play Tiger Lily. Her role will require quite a few dance steps, which she looks forward to since she has been dancing for the last ten years.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I can just be myself.”

Patrick Dunseith will play Michael, the youngest of the children in Peter Pan.

“I thought it would be fun. He’s like a little kid,” Patrick said. “I thought I could relate to him because I’m the littlest in my family.”

The performances will be August 10 at 7:30 pm and August 11 at 2 and 7:30 pm at Newtown High School. The cost is $14 for adults and $7 for seniors and students for reserved seating and $12 for adults and $6 for seniors and students in general seating. For more information call 426-1787 or visit the Web site www.Newtown.k12.ct.us/~stc.