Peter Pan provides special entertainment for Homecoming Marcus Neely brandishes his hook during a classic moment in Peter Pan. Many students commentedon the unique chemistry between Neely and Vann, who are best friends in fife but playedmortal enemies on the stage. Pirates, Indians, sword fights, huge sets and special effects highlighted this year's Homecoming musical, Peter Pan. "We wanted to do something special for the 75th anniversary, " said Director Dottie Frye. "We Frought in lots of special effects." One of those effects was Tinkerbell. The spirited fairy, represented by laser light animation, could "fly" anywhere on the stage. Operated by Henry McDaniel , Tinkerbell "spoke" the fairy language of tinkling bells. Another special feature was the flying scenes. Peter, Wendy and her siblings, as well as other characters, flew through the air supported by Flying By Foy, a family-owned, traveling company that developed the original wire harness flying effects used to hold Martin, the original Peter, aloft. One of the most noticeable features on stage was the "very large sets," according to producer Cindee Stockstill. "Because the stage is so large, we had to make the set pieces huge so they would have a believable proportion." Of course, no rendition of Eddie Shewmaker and Joseph Mitchen get reacquainted during the Golden Circle dinner. Mitchen and his wife, along with other members ofthe Class of '48, were inducted into the circle during Homecoming this year. • 22 STUDENT L1FE PeterPan could succeedwithout a strong villainous lead for the dreaded Captain Hook. Senior Marcus Neely filled his role as pirate extraordinaire with swashbuckling prestidigitation. His antics lived up to the reputation of the captain of the Jolly Roger. "We tried to,make all of our characters exciting," Stocksti ll said. "We involved some very talented Searcy children to play the lost boys, and we had Indians with attitude." Another feature was the large costumes.Several animals, including a "rockin' and ro ll in'" panda bear, a ballet ostrich, a bouncing kangaroo and a gallant lion, had larger-than-life costumes. The most important "animal"actor was the tick-tock crocodile, arch nemesis of Captain Hook. ThewordsofPeter Pan, played by sophomore Pete Vann, "I don't wanna grow up," captured the imagination of hundreds of Searcy children as well as students and alumni who crowded into the Benson for the matinee and night performances. - Remie Beaul ieu
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