Peter/Wendy
at Cairine Wilson Secondary School

Reviewed on December 3, 2019

NameSchoolPublication/Broadcasts
Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School
Ottawa Citizen #1
St. Francis Xavier High School
Ottawa Citizen #2
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School
Ottawa Citizen #3
St. Francis Xavier High School
Ottawa Citizen #4
Philemon Wright High School
Ottawa Citizen #5
St. Francis Xavier High School
Ottawa Citizen #6



Sawyer Morris
Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School

Submitted for publication to Ottawa Citizen #1

In the twenty-first century, the words "fairy tale" have become intertwined with ideas of bubbly characters and vivid visuals. However, the essence of a fairy tale, when you strip away the Hollywood glitz and glam, comes from powerful storytelling. Such was the case in Cairine Wilson Secondary School's production of Peter/Wendy, a subdued, firm retelling of a timeless classic.

Peter/Wendy, adapted from J.M. Barrie's 1902 novel The Little White Bird and 1904 play Peter and Wendy, focuses on themes of maturity, loss, and the idea of home. It follows the titular characters - eternally young, carefree Peter Pan and empathetic, warm-hearted Wendy Darling - as they fly to Neverland, the mysterious island that fairy, mermaids, mythical creatures and young boys alike call their home. As they explore Neverland's unique beauty, Wendy meets its diverse inhabitants, including the fairies Tink and Tiger Lily and the blindfolded Lost Boy. But not all is well, as Captain Hook and his pirate crew seek vengeance against the boy who never grows up. Peter/Wendy conveys the battle between weightlessness of youth and the responsibilities of growing up with subtle yet striking pointedness.

To take on such a widely known classic and perform it with elegance is no small accomplishment, but Cairine Wilson Secondary School's cast and crew delivered with a mature proficiency. From the set to the lighting to the actor's portrayals of their characters, the play shone with creativity while remaining true to the key components of a well-told story.

As Peter Pan, Katie Webb performed with a spring in her step, speaking with confident ease. She faithfully captured the character of the mischievous yet naïve boy with her choice expressions and execution of lines throughout the entire piece. Beside her, Shela Ahmed provided the perfect foil as the softer, but no less impactful, Wendy Darling. Her intonation and intelligent movement allowed for the display of character growth throughout the play as she went from a timid girl to a mature, matronly young woman. The leads' portrayals were as convincing as they were relatable, allowing the ensemble to bounce off their believable characterization.

Equally as impressive as the leading actors were the supporting characters alongside them. Bree Mollison's depiction of the sassy, sarcastic Tink was a highlight of the show, never breaking character and providing light to darker moments with witty one-liners. Her command of the stage was evident even when she was not the focus of a scene. Just as attention grabbing was the duo of Emma Langlois and Nicola Burt, who both masterfully took on the challenge of playing multiple characters: the former, Mrs. Darling and Captain Hook; and the latter, Mr. Darling and Smee. Both seemed at home on stage no matter who was being portrayed, and switched effortlessly from character to character without confusion.

The set was designed thoughtfully, combining nature with pieces drawn onto stage blocks with chalk, evoking even further the play's tenets of innocence and childishness. The use of lighting throughout the performance, incorporated into costumes, props, and projections, took this piece to an even higher level. Completing the experience was a live orchestra, whose flawless execution of their scores added to nearly every scene, whether it was the breeziness of Peter and Wendy's flight or the foreboding but light-hearted entrances of Captain Hook.

To emulate the amazement of a fairy tale on stage in a thoughtful, delicate manner is no easy task. But Cairine Wilson Secondary School's cast rose to the occasion with this piece, proving that the purity of a fable comes not from diamonds or dazzle but compelling storytelling.


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Robynne Vlaming
St. Francis Xavier High School

Submitted for publication to Ottawa Citizen #2

Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts! An imaginative tale where happy thoughts have the power to send people soaring to new worlds was presented by Cairine Wilson Secondary School's animated production of Peter/Wendy.

Peter/Wendy by Jeremy Bloom takes a more mature perspective on the original Peter Pan story by J.M. Barrie. As with the original narrative, the story begins with the young girl Wendy Darling being visited by the magical, spirited Peter and his fairy Tink. He offers to teach her to fly and return with them to a far off place called Neverland. Intrigued and unable to resist his offer, Wendy agrees to leave her home with them. Together, they embark on a journey filled with adventures, from fairies to evil ship captains and everything in between. It is throughout this journey that both Peter and Wendy come to learn more about the importance of family, growing up, and where one truly belongs.

Under the creative direction of Ravyn Bodenmiller and Caiya Varden, the production's storyline flowed with clarity. The enthusiastic performance was also balanced well with drama and humour. Many actors took comedic timing into consideration throughout the show, establishing their characters' humorous qualities. Makeup looks such as Tink's dark lipstick and Tiger Lily's colourful eye makeup helped further develop the characters as well.

Katie Webb in the role of Peter brought enthusiasm and excitement to her performance. Her constantly light movements across the stage emphasized her character's eternal youthfulness. She further developed Peter's imaginative nature through the wide-eyed gazes of wonderment she wore. Wendy Darling, portrayed by Shela Ahmed, was brought to life with Ahmed's emotive facial expressions. From her looks of fear and excitement over Neverland to the motherly glances directed at Peter and the Lost Boys, she showcased a range of emotions.

Bree Mollison presented an amusing portrayal of Tink, displaying her character's snarky and disinterested persona by exhibiting an air of boredom consistently. Her gestures, such as crossing her arms and rolling her eyes, also conveyed her character's continual annoyance. Maya Brown as Tiger Lily helped contribute to the story's overall flow through her steady cadence utilized during scenes where her character recounted events taking place. The role of Hook, portrayed by Emma Langlois, entertained through the menacing, deep, and angry vocal tones adapted to suit Hook's personality.

The orchestra providing the plentiful sound effects throughout the performance was timely. The instruments' volumes balanced one another in a way that helped elevate the emotion and tension in each scene where they were present as well. The strategic lighting design and execution further developed each scene, such as the flickering lights that symbolized Tink's life as she began to die. Set pieces such as Hook's ship were effective in enhancing the scenes, and were highly functional as well.

Through action, adventure and childhood wonder, Cairine Wilson Secondary School presented an enjoyable performance that ultimately questioned how an escape from reality may affect one in unchangeable ways.


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Michaela Yu
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School

Submitted for publication to Ottawa Citizen #3

Welcome to Neverland - a utopia where everyday is a new adventure, bedtime stories never get old, and the children never grow up. Cairine Wilson Secondary School's mystical production of Peter/Wendy showed that anything is possible in Neverland with the help of happy thoughts.

Originally written in 1904 by James Matthew Barrie, Peter/Wendy recounts the timeless tale of the infamous boy who never grows up. One night, as young Wendy Darling is awakened in her room by a boy chasing his own shadow, she rushes to his side with a sewing kit to help him out. After introducing himself, Peter Pan convinces Wendy to venture to Neverland, where she can act as mother to himself and his fellow Lost Boys. From learning to fly, watching mermaids and defeating Captain Hook, Neverland seems like the perfect forever home. However, Wendy is faced with a dilemma - should she stay and remain a child forever, or return to reality and eventually grow up?

With a detailed set, undeniable energy and excellently executed technical aspects, the cast and crew's rendition of the classic fairy tale was lively and exciting.

Portraying the iconic role of the adventurous and cheeky Peter Pan was Katie Webb. The actress delivered a wonderful performance with a diverse range of emotions and excellent physicality. She consistently moved gracefully and elegantly, accentuating the fairy-like element of her character. From portraying a brave and arrogant young boy to a lost and naive child, Webb constantly demonstrated an extensive range of emotions.

Alongside Webb was Shela Ahmed, playing the innocent Wendy Darling. With the use of facial expressions and physicality, the actress was able to expertly portray her character's motherly nurture and care towards the Lost Boys, while still demonstrating a child-like naivety and curiosity.

With dynamic expression and energy, Emma Langlois fabulously portrayed the mean yet determined Captain Hook. The actress successfully embodied her character with perfect comedic timing and hilarious facial expressions. She was also able to show diversity in her emotional range by expressing the character's hidden insecurities and vulnerability.

Opposite Captain Hook was the Lost Boy, played by Alissa Trottier. The actress was able to demonstrate her character's unfaltering curiosity, wonder and naivety through tone. Using such, she was also able to strongly portray the character's strong admiration towards Peter and Wendy.

Members of the ensemble brought a special element of realism to scenes. Specifically, by using comedic and accentuated facial expressions, Braydon Miranda brought extra humour to scenes while tending to Captain Hook's ship.

The lighting of the show was creatively designed and well executed. The use of lanterns and light orbs contributed to the whimsical and fairy-tale like ambience of the show. The characters' makeup was also extremely fitting to their respective personalities. For example, Tiger Lily's bright eye shadow and eyeliner were representative of the character's kind spirit and further accentuated the theme of surrealism in Neverland.

Finally, the set of the production was extremely versatile. With chalkboard blocks, the setting could be easily modified to match Wendy's room, or a beach in Neverland.

The cast and crew of Cairine Wilson Secondary School proved that childhood should be relished and enjoyed in their magical performance of Peter/Wendy. Although Peter Pan may believe otherwise, growing up will always be a necessary part of life.


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Isabella MacKay
St. Francis Xavier High School

Submitted for publication to Ottawa Citizen #4

While good thoughts like excellent music, student artistry, and high school theatre may not cause everyone to soar to the stars like Peter Pan, they can be used to describe Cairine Wilson Secondary School's unique and creative production of Peter/Wendy.

Peter/Wendy is a reimagined adaptation by Jeremy Bloom of the original Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie. The play is a simplified version of the fantastical storyline that focuses on the mature ideas buried beneath the fairies and mermaids. When Peter enters through Wendy's window their adventures are not only filled with wacky villains and hot-tempered fairies, but also themes about loss, family and the fear of growing up. Peter/Wendy is ultimately a timeless story that examines the nature of humans, their emotions, and relationships with refreshing honesty.

The students of Cairine Wilson Secondary School's Peter/Wendy, under the direction of devoted student directors Ravyn Bodenmiller and Caiya Varden, displayed their creativity and talent through the performances of the actors and the perseverance of the artistic crew. The ensemble of performers would often deliver lines together, known as choral speaking, and their in-sync emotional voices heightened every scene.

Shela Ahmed played Wendy with raw emotion and a young, bright physicality. Her childlike mannerisms such as her ever-wandering eyes and astonished grins evoked a sense of realism to her performance. Katie Webb portrayed the iconic Peter Pan with energy and a fantastical interpretation. Webb's light, soundless gait was particularly amazing because it appeared like she was flying.

The supporting cast also developed and portrayed interesting characters. Bree Mollison played Tink with a fiery attitude. Mollison's sharp, staccato delivery and constant sneering facial expressions revealed the humorous frustration of the fairy. Emma Langlois as Hook excelled at displaying the pompous and grandiose nature of the villain. Langlois spoke with a commanding, lilting tone, and walked across the stage with confidence.

The technical aspects of the show also enhanced the viewing experience. The student orchestra, with musicians Sam Rattigan, Abby Gausrab and Ariana Pitcher, excellently accompanied the performers on stage, accenting intense moments with musical motifs, such as a strong bassoon line on Hook's entrances. Another highlight of the play was the versatile set that could easily transition from the unimaginative reality of Wendy's room to the whimsical and cartoonish Neverland. For example, Wendy's bed easily transformed into a rowboat in Neverland, a clever design that perfectly matched the intended design of a child's imagination.

Through the genuine performances of the cast and the inventive dedication of the crew, Cairine Wilson Secondary School's production of Peter/Wendy was an original and compelling rendition of the familiar tale. This play, along with other honest examinations of the human condition, proved once again that although people's bodies may grow old with time, their souls can remain forever young.


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Hannah Scott-Talib
Philemon Wright High School

Submitted for publication to Ottawa Citizen #5

Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly? To go out on exhilarating, magical adventures, to live in a world beyond time? Well, this is the show for you. Peter/Wendy, performed by the cast of Cairine Wilson Secondary School, shed light on the fun and mystical world of Peter Pan. With aspects such as innovative sets and a dedicated cast, this interpretation of a well-loved tale stood out from others.

Peter/Wendy, a play written by J. M. Barrie in 1904, refers to a curious young boy named Peter Pan and a kind and caring girl, Wendy Darling. The story starts off when, while in the midst of listening to a bedtime story through the window of the Darlings' house, Peter is spotted and, in his haste to leave, realizes he has lost his shadow. While he and his fairy friend Tinkerbell go around trying to find it, they accidentally wake Wendy, who then helps Peter sew his shadow back on. Later, Peter invites her to come back to Neverland, his home, where he introduces her to the Lost Boy, a misfit kid, like Peter, in need of a motherly figure. During their time in Neverland, Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boy wind up embarking on several bizarre and perilous journeys, fighting antagonist Captain Hook and meeting new friends along the way.

Each unique in their own way, the characters portrayed by this committed cast brought life to this fantastical play. The cast was very comfortable on stage and did not hesitate when it came time for them to speak their lines.

Inquisitive, lively and ready to take on the world, the role of Peter Pan was portrayed by Katie Webb. Webb, throughout the entirety of the production, remained steadily in character and was consistent with her actions. Her movements as Peter were graceful and practiced and the delivery of her lines was always on time. As the warm and affectionate Wendy Darling, Shela Ahmed walked the stage with a noticeable confidence, using her voice to convey the emotions of sympathy and fondness that Wendy speaks with.

On the other hand, Bree Mollison took on the role of the snarky and sarcastic Tink. Mollison never failed to act as her character, constantly staying focused and using her facial expressions to impersonate this cheeky and disapproving fairy. Emma Langois, as the menacing yet amusing Captain Hook, had excellent comedic timing and projected her voice with ease, greatly enhancing the effect her lines gave.

The sets, designed by Pablo Diaz and Silja Baer, were effective and eye-catching. Pieces like Captain Hook's pirate ship and Wendy's fairy-like house were well thought-out and built beautifully. The lighting crew, led by Avery Coleman and Caiya Varden, ensured that the lighting in each scene fit the feeling brought out. In the scene where Peter and Wendy fly to Neverland, thousands of tiny spot lights were projected across the ceiling like stars in the night sky, making the overall effect much more compelling.

All in all, Cairine Wilson Secondary School's performance of Peter/Wendy was one of pure friendship and love. It brought out the true meaning of being young and not wanting to grow up: holding on to the innocence and fun of childhood for as long as possible and, most importantly, never being afraid to dream.


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Emily Moffatt
St. Francis Xavier High School

Submitted for publication to Ottawa Citizen #6

Can I hear a happy thought? Absolutely. From the audience's laughter to the creative eye-catching stars, Cairine Wilson Secondary School's rendition of Peter/Wendy reminded us that high school theatre can be fun and spunky, while also being serious and mature.

The student's take on Jeremy Bloom's edgy reimagining of J.M. Barrie's Peter and Wendy featured the exact characters most all know and love with an endearing of-age twist. The story, almost 120 years old, redeveloped vibrantly upon the high school stage through mermaids, pirates, flight and falter. The show follows the well-loved duo as Wendy takes the role of a mother to the numerous characters in Neverland. Wendy learns the magic of Neverland while simultaneously fighting Captain Hook and Smee, the infamous antagonists. Peter and Wendy is a testament to learning, growing and maturing all in the face of discovery.

The energy of the show captivated the audience through the vitality of the 16-member cast, each of the students bringing their all to their characters. The cast was well fitted, individualistic and committed to their production. Through a softly lit ambiance, the show felt calming and serene, adding to the magic of the stage.

The production was tied together by the two lead cast members: Peter, played by Katie Webb, and Wendy Darling, played by Shela Ahmed. Shela, bringing a soft-spokenness to her character, embodied Wendy wonderfully through childlike mannerisms and youthful maturity. She caught the eyes of the audience with her sass, fervour and devotion. Katie embodied Peter Pan excellently through her confidence on the stage, taking the strong character and making it her own. Her ability to maintain the curiosity, innocence and bravery of Peter Pan throughout the show was a definite eye-catcher. The two paired greatly as leads together, accurately representing the famous duo most all know and love.

Tink, played by Bree Mollison, was a witty fairy sidekick with edge in this production. She brought along sass, as well as comedic relief to the show. Bree never failed to fulfill the amusing characteristics of a character like Tink. Hook, played by Emma Langlois, was a pirate with attitude and exuberance. Emma provided her own spin on the character through her stage-stealing livelihood and quick-witted comments. As if never missing a beat, she provided a satirical twist on the very cynical character.

The imaginative production included an adorable, child-like set contrived of chalk-drawn boxes and other playful pieces, all fitting to the youthfulness of the characters. The creativity of Pablo Diaz and Silja Baer, the two head set designers, was immensely apparent with the inclusion of the artistic sets, one of which being the mystical lagoon. The lagoon, which doubled as a dress, was one of many interesting designs. Rowen Bellows and Emma Charlebois, the head costume designers, improvised very creative ways to make their cast unique. A notable costume was Tink's, dressed in a skirt with sewn-in lights and a leather jacket; her costume was a joy to see and a hugely integral piece of her character.

Overall, Peter/Wendy brought a fun and vibrant way to tell an old story. In the end, the audience was left believing in fairies and of course, thinking happy thoughts.



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