'Peter Pan' set to grace stage

Katherine Idgunji l News Editor

Auditions for the 2022 fall play of Peter Pan were held this past week on Tuesday, Sept. 6 and Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Head Director, Tara Pohlkotte, was excited to see so many new faces at the auditions.

“We had 14 freshmen audition, in addition to some great freshman technical talent joining us this year,” said Pohlkotte. “It really excites me for what is to come for the program over the next 4 years.”

Although the play this year is Peter Pan, Pohlkotte decided to put a spin on the storyline.

“I'm looking forward to telling a familiar story from a little different perspective,” said Pohlkotte. “We've set the backdrop of the play directly in the Darling's Nursery and from the Darling children's imagination.  We're taking on the concept that the Neverland is a place inside us that we never even have to leave home to find.”

Sophomore, Leah Jaeger, discussed how excited she is to welcome so many new members to the team. Her views are shared by many as others anticipate the talent that the new freshmen are bringing.

“I thought the auditions were fantastic,” said Jaeger. “There are so many talented actors at CCHS, and it's exciting to get to see both new and familiar faces onstage. It was a great way to start off the fall play.”

With the addition of so many members, students are hoping to make them feel like they are a part of their community. Senior Elsa Thomas talked about the excitement that auditions brought.

“I think that just the excitement of it all brings us all so much closer, especially during the auditions and rehearsals because everyone is always cheering you on no matter what,” said Thomas.

Along with the nerves of the auditions, also comes an overall sense of community among many of the members. Most upperclassmen are eager to make sure that the new freshman feel heard, accepted, and supported.

“One thing that I love about doing the plays is the community it creates,” said sophomore Brady Cassel. “I know that everyone has my back and I have theirs."

Jaeger is looking forward to building the play community by working together as a team

“I do think that the play brings a sense of community to its members, because we all must work together to make the show a possibility,” said Jaeger. “Whether you are part of the cast or crew, it’s important to be able to cooperate well with others, and we rely on each other to do our part. After spending so many hours together and putting in so much work into the show, you begin to build relationships with each other, it's hard not to feel like a community.”

Pohlkotte is hoping the fun story line and professional score will draw-in the crowds this November when it is show time.

“We've got some great aspects planned again this year from projections and original musical score music from a Grammy nominated musician written specifically for this show,” said Pohlkotte. “And since the story is familiar, it is even more fun to see your fellow classmates make beloved characters come to life.”