(Courtesy/ Lila P.)
Academy’s theatre department took the stage on October 23 and 24for Peter Pan Goes Wrong, a one-act comedy written by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer.
The play follows the fictional Cornley Drama Society members as they attempt to stage Peter Pan. But early on, everything that could go wrong does. From malfunctioning props to cast disputes to frustrated actors, the production transforms the familiar childhood story and play of Peter Pan into a series of hilarious disasters.
One of the evening’s standout performances came from Kenneth O., whose portrayal of Tervor included some unforgettable physical comedy. In one scene, when instructed to “eat,” he instead began serving face, striking dramatic poses and dancing in a nod to Gen Z slang.
Andrew J. as Peter Pan. created heartfelt moments. When a sound recording revealed his character’s feelings for Wendy, played by Amaya W., the audience responded with a collective, genuine “aww.”
In fact, the audience’s reactions and nonstop laughter became a character in itself. Rarely did a scene pass without laughter, with the audience’s reactions adding to the energy of the performance. Following the show, Dr. Bezant even told Max B., “My 11-year-old son did not stop laughing.”
While the actors delivered the chaos onstage, what impressed me most was the precision required behind the scenes. Having covered several Academy theatre productions, I have had the opportunity to watch student actors develop their craft over time.
This production relied on an impressive coordination of practical effects, with sound board operator Avery H., sound FX operator Charlotte Z., and set construction crew members Addison P., Elliott B., Gabby G., Lyndon S., and Max F. working alongside the rest of the technical team to create the illusion that everything was falling apart. What appeared to be spontaneous disasters were actually carefully timed moments that required the cast and crew to work in unison.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong showcased the talent of Academy’s entire theatre department. While the fictional Cornley Drama Society struggled to hold its production together, Academy’s cast and crew delivered a performance in which every disaster came together. And judging by the nearly constant laughter from the audience, everything went exactly right.
