TINKER BELL `MAGICAL ... UNFORGETTABLE'
St. Pius X High School's whimsical play offers a fresh perspective on classic story
From a land past the second star on the right and straight on until the morning comes St. Pius X High School's whimsical performance of Tinker Bell! Bringing to life a fresh new perspective on a classic children's tale, the cast and crew created a magical and unforgettable experience.
Based on the works of J.M. Barrie, Tinker Bell, by Patrick Flynn, explores the events of the iconic story of Peter Pan through the eyes of his beloved fairy friend. As Peter, with the help of the Lost Boys and the Darling children, fights to protect the Island of Neverland against Captain Hook and Smee, Tinker Bell struggles to navigate new feelings of love, friendship, loyalty and jealousy for the very first time.
The commitment and passion of the cast and crew shone through their actions as they demonstrated a true spirit of perseverance and teamwork. Each actor and crew member supported each other, collaborating with admirable unity as they embodied the power of friendship, both on and off the stage.
All eyes were on Annabella Lamothe-behan, who starred in the titular role of Tinker Bell. Lamothe-behan's voice was nothing short of captivating, alternating between the fierce projection of strong emotions and the lilting bell-like melody for which the fairy was so aptly named. Taylor Harvey, who played the forever-youthful Peter Pan, took on the role with ease. Harvey effortlessly used energetic movements and sly facial expressions to portray Pan's mischievously comedic nature.
Alister Kotelniski-simms and
Owen Rosehart, playing the dastardly Captain Hook and first mate Smee respectively, had an enthralling connection. Playing off of each other and creating hilariously engaging banter, Kotelniski-simms and Rosehart had flawless comedic timing that made it impossible to look away.
There was never a dull moment as these two talented actors filled the stage with their humorous presence, while also portraying the vindictive nature of villainous pirates with equal effectiveness in a wholly versatile performance.
The sets, created by Alessa Ciliberto and the St. Pius X Technical Theatre Guild, were masterfully constructed, the vibrant colours brightening up the stage and breathing life into Neverland.
The life-size Crocodile's head, primarily created by Kotelniski-simms in charge of costumes, was an enchanting piece, enhancing the realism of the tale, as all eyes were drawn to the fantastical creature.
Shining brightly, the different hues of lighting on the stage, co-ordinated by Harvey and Georgia Malpass, created an emotional atmosphere ranging from crimson anger to forest-green fear.
In a wholesome and heartwarmingly magical adaptation of a beloved children's story, the dedicated cast and crew of St. Pius X High School's production of Tinker Bell explored the powerful and timeless themes of childhood, growth, and what it truly means to be a friend.
ABOUT THE REVIEWS
The St. Pius X High School production was reviewed by 31 critics representing 6 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Shauna Gifford of St. Joseph High School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Laura Grace Conlon of Elmwood School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.
Next review: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School's production of The Little Mermaid.
ABOUT THE CAPPIES
The Citizen and 20 high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, D.c.based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa-carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and one private school have also joined. The four winners of the lead acting categories will receive a bursary provided by the international law firm Gowling WLG Canada LLP.