Journey to Neverland leads to Buskirk-Chumley stage

Bloomington area students showcased their singing, dancing and acting talents in the Bloomington Youth Theatre’s production of “Peter Pan” last weekend at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

“All the students are very enthusiastic and passionate,” said Maria Manitta, who, along with Laura Manitta, is creative director of the Youth Theatre. “This is what most of them want to do for a living.”

The majority of cast members were between 13 and 19 years old and had varying amounts of theater experience. The collaboration between experienced actors and first-timers went very well, Maria Manitta said.

“The show was amazing, and we worked with a lot of great people,” said Courtney Mitzel, who played Wendy Darling. “Everyone pulled the show together very well.”

The Youth Theatre worked with the Bloomington High Flyers Circus to help lift the actors playing Peter Pan and the Darling children.

“Buskirk-Chumley was great for flying, and it was great for kids because they learned how to rig the theater for flying,” Maria Manitta said. “It makes ‘Peter Pan’ more special.”

IU students also worked with the Youth Theatre to help with choreography, acting and vocal coaching.

“They have been fantastic to work with,” Maria Manitta said. “Kerry Ipema, our choreographer, appeared in ‘Oklahoma!’ as Laurey, and John McLaughlin, our
acting coach, appeared in ‘West Side Story’ as Tony. ... Kerry has put together a lot of great dance numbers and has a background in ballet, which has been great.”

The Buskirk provided a professional atmosphere that was beneficial for the youth performers, allowing them to work with the lighting and other technical aspects, Maria Manitta said.

“Jacob Lish was a miracle worker for us technically, and Brenda Upchurch, who won a lot of awards for set design in Indianapolis, made the sets,” Maria Manitta said. “The professional backdrop was also rented, and the kids were able to help paint the set. It was great because the kids were able to work together.”

Laura and Maria Manitta founded the Youth Theatre only two years ago.

“Laura and Maria are very helpful, kind and patient people,” Cameron Butler, the show’s Peter Pan, said. “Even though it took me a long time to learn my lines, they were very patient. That was very beneficial.”

Because “Peter Pan” has such a large cast, many children were able to be involved.

“It is a great show, and I think it is familiar to all ages, adults and kids alike,” Maria Manitta said. “There are so many parts for kids, and the more they have to do, the more they learn, which is more fun for them.”

Butler said the show was fun but also a lot of work.

“I got to work with a lot of great people, and I had a lot of great friends to help and support me,” he said.

With extensive community collaboration, performers and audience members alike were transported to Neverland.

“Peter Pan has been a dream part for me,” Butler said, “so it was definitely a dream come true.”