By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Virgin Valley Theatre Group (VVTG) ushered in the holidays last weekend with “A Neverland Christmas Carol” at the Mesquite Community Theater. The production offered a family-friendly experience of exuberant entertainment to the local audiences.
The play is an amusing blend of two great familiar stories. There is Peter Pan and his Neverland associates blended in with the famous Christmas Spirits from Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” The stage adaptation is written by Sheri Hannery Verrilli.
The cast brought a mix of local adult actors with 18 enthusiastic young thespians.
On opening night, Friday, Dec. 3 the audience was filled with family members and neighbors, as would be expected. The play had two showings last weekend and three more will take place this weekend. On Friday and Saturday the show begins at 7 pm. A matinee performance will follow on Saturday at 2 pm on Saturday. So there is still time for community members to treat themselves to an entertaining couple of hours.
Veteran actor Robert Craig plays the boisterous Captain Hook that badgers the Neverland boys. He must meet the three Christmas spirits before he can mend his ways.
The Darling children: Wendy, played by Olivia Bunker; John, played by Braylan Dickason; and Michael, played by James Spies, are all truly darling in their roles. It is plain to see why they love the exuberant and optimistic Peter Pan who is excellently portrayed by Alicia Hanson.
All the youngsters were enthusiastic in their roles which made them all memorable.
The group of carolers were just as enthusiastic in their singing, especially their rendition of “Christmas Day in the Morning.”
The set of the Jolly Roger should certainly be mentioned. The sound effects were quite impressive. One could almost feel the waves while sitting out in the audience. The costume crew should also be commended for their intricate work in colors and styles.
Brenda Jensen was there to see her neighbor’s daughter in the production and was quick to become a VVTG fan. “This is too cute!” she commented. “I love that there are all ages in this play. I am honored to be here. It was a beautiful occasion.”
Wendy Wolfe Killinger director of the production has chalked up another triumph in the theatre. She has been involved in multiple productions in the space, along with her co-director in this performance: Mitzi Bender.
Although the entertainment inside the theater was superb, the excitement continued outside right after the play ended. It was beyond expectations when eighteen greatly relieved and excited youngster/actors were screaming and jumping for joy. They had delivered, the audience had accepted and witnessing their jubilation at the end of opening night was like icing on the cake.
This production was truly a beautiful Christmas gift to the community.
Tickets for this weekend’s performances will be sold online at VVTGNV.com and at Mesquite Community Theater box office at 140 North Yucca Street. The box office opens one hour prior to the performances.
