Quincy Community Theatre announces cast for holiday musical production of ‘Peter Pan’

QUINCY — Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, and originally adapted by the legendary Jerome Robbins, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and music by Morris “Moose” Charlap, the iconic musical “Peter Pan” encourages you to think lovely things, and your heart will fly on wings.

Peter Pan will take the stage at Quincy Community Theatre Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 7-10. The performance on Sunday, Dec. 10, will be signed by Jessica Lewis for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The mysterious and ageless Peter Pan arrives in the Darling nursery where he whisks Wendy, Michael, and John to the island of their dreams where no one grows old: Neverland. There, they encounter the island’s fascinating inhabitants, including a ticking crocodile and bungling pirates led by the dastardly, devious Captain Hook. With its unforgettable score, Peter Pan is the evergreen celebration of childhood’s joy and the sweet sadness of growing up.

Peter Pan features a cast of 27 performers ranging in age from 9 to over 60 — some QCT veterans, some making their QCT debut.

The cast of Peter Pan includes:

• Mekia Gay as Peter Pan
• T.C. Pierceall in the dual role of Captain Hook and Mr. Darling
• Thalia Wolfmeyer as Wendy Darling
• Brady Koetters as John Darling
• Hudson Ayers as Michael Darling
• Marion Dye as Mrs. Darling
• Darwin Smith as Smee
• Kimberly Page as Tiger Lily
• Emily Dozier as Grownup Wendy
• Vaylea Peters as Jane
• M.J. Mefford as Nana/The Crocodile

Rounding out the ensemble are Abram Hendrian, Samuel Higgins, Eli Higgins, Mason Hough, Jacob Taylor and Dominic Zanger as Lost Boys; Kelsey Butler, Evan Conover, Valerie Hernandez, Joseph Kim, and Quinton Metcalf as Pirates; and Ava Jacobsen, Layla McBee, Whitney Stanford, Abby Twaddle, and Morgan Zanger as Warriors.

The main stage musical production is under the direction of Quincy Community Theatre artistic director Brandon Thomsen.

In a press release, Thomsen said, “Peter Pan was the first musical to be performed in the new theater in 1995. It is fitting that it now serves as the grand finale to our 100th anniversary year, which explores and celebrates the idea of community.”

The production team consists of:

• vocal direction by Todd Richman
• choreography by Alison Shafer
• scenic design by QCT technical director Andy Trusley
• lighting design by Ken Phillips
• costume design by Bonnie Furniss
• sound design by Jay Trimble
• stage management by Donna Haire and assistant stage manager Bailey McNamer
• fight choreography by Steve Looten, Jr.

A special flying rig will be brought in for the production, provided by On The Fly from St. Louis.

An interactive Discovery Night for Peter Pan will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at QCT. The free event will give participants a view into the production process with discussion and demonstration of the flight mechanics. In addition, immediately following the Friday, Dec. 8, performance will be a Q&A talkback session with the cast and crew.

Flex season ticket holders may reserve their tickets. General tickets go on sale on Nov. 6 and begin at $27. Seating is reserved.

For more information, visit 1qct.org or call the QCT box office in the Oakley-Lindsay Center at 217-222-3209.

Peter Pan is sponsored by Kohl Wholesale, Quincy Medical Group, and WGEM. QCT’s 2023 season is sponsored by Gardner Denver.