Drama club to present ‘Peter Pan’

“All children, except one, grow up.” So says author J.M. Barrie in his novel and play “Peter Pan.” Lucky audience members will get the chance to see if that’s really true Friday night, March 21, at 7 p.m., when Millbrook High School’s drama club, 97 Miles Off Broadway, debuts its yearly production. This year’s piece will showcase the classic 1954 musical adaptation of that favorite children’s story. First-time director Marc Boissey, a 2006 Millbrook graduate, said he’s thrilled “Peter Pan” is the very first production he gets to direct since it’s been a lifelong favorite of his and indeed he even played a Lost Boy in a 2003 TriArts production in Sharon, Conn.Assistant director duties are capably handled by veteran director (and English teacher) Michelle Traudt, who last directed the crowd pleaser “Grease” in 2009. Audience members are in for a treat with the return of senior Alison Marti in the title role. Theatergoers will most certainly remember her performance as Nellie Forbush in last season’s “South Pacific.” Millbrook High School’s musical offerings have generated a loyal fan base, and the caliber of talent and the overall professionalism of the shows has remained consistent from year to year.One of the reasons for that is that the school cultivates talent and gives students the opportunity to start small and step into larger and larger parts as their high school years unfold.Case in point is the talented senior Shelby Whalen. Shelby began in “Hello, Dolly!” as part of the ensemble, moved on to “Bye, Bye Birdie” as a screaming fan, graduated to “South Pacific” as a singing and talking nurse and now, finally, is stepping up to the big time in the classic part of Wendy.The young actress said this year’s production has “been such a great experience” … and hopes viewers will be able to “experience how great childhood is.” Though Shelby’s future plans lie in social work, she still plans on staying involved in theater at Honors College in Brockport, N.Y., where she won a competitive scholarship and will be attending in the fall. Those who contributed to this year’s production include: Michael Berkeley (orchestra direction); Gina Duci (choreography); Charles Fauci (scenic design); Lexi Slavin (lighting/sound:); Raj Sirohi (set construction); Emily King (stage manager) and Flying Rigging Equipment: Flying by Foy. Show times are Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, at 7 p.m., with a Sunday, March 23, matinee at 2 p.m., at the Millbrook High School auditorium, 70 Church St. Go to www.millbrookcsd.org for ticket information.