Director Lara West and the Footlight Players are excited to have you fly away to Scotland with their presentation of THE LOST BOY the first two weekends in May. “As soon as I read the script, I knew I wanted to share this story on the Footlight stage, and this team has worked incredibly hard to seamlessly shift between fantasy and reality on our 24-foot stage. We’re doing it without walls or pulling the curtain,” she says, “It’s been quite a challenge, but so much fun. We think people are going to like the result.”
The play, written by Ronald Gabriel Paolillo, offers a fictional look at the creation of one of his most famous works, Peter Pan. Playwright James M. Barrie (Noel Carlson) is returning home from London to his haunting past in Kuiremere, Scotland where he still struggles to connect with his mother (Ericka Kilbourne), befriends his childhood bully, Sean O’Rourke (Mike Kilbourne), and his wife Maureen (Nora Ryszka). .
Barrie was just six years old when his older brother Davey died in an ice-skating incident that his mother can’t seem to forgive James for. Reflecting on her first reading of the play to today, Ericka Kilbourne says, “I began this show with disdain for my character, but now I have true compassion for her, and I’ve seen pieces of me within her. Learning to love her has made an impact on my ministry and my motherhood. It has been a true gift.”
Patrons will be taken to the past, steered to the present, and swept away in a fantasy as they follow Barrie confront his past and his mother, while creating a beautiful friendship with Maureen O’Rourke. Together, they spin a tale that turns into a true treasure.
The cast and crew include Noel Carlson (James M. Barrie), Nora Ryszka (Maureen) and her children Eleanor (Merlinda) and Anna (Adora Bell), Ericka Kilbourne (Mother) with her husband Mike (Sean) and two of their children: Annabelle (Irresponsi Bell) and Daisy (Impossi Bell). J Swindell (Old Crow/Captain Hook) shares the stage with his son Jayce, playing opposite him, as Peter Pan. Melissa Minix (Tinker Bell), Lexi Hazen (Hanna Bell), Katelyn West (Young James), and Dagny Basta and Zakaree Remson (Pirates).
Lara West is mentored and assisted by Larry Piotrowski; Chris West produces and designs lights with Alayana Lauritsen designing sound. Scenic artist is Beckie Remson. Lexi Hazen stage manages, and Ashley Williams costumes this fairy tale drama.
THE LOST BOY opens May 3 and runs through May 12. The Saturday and Sunday shows are 2pm matinees with Thursday and Friday shows at 7:30pm. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for twelve years and under. The show is quite entertaining with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook, but it’s more of an emotional drama that is not recommended for young children anticipating a show for young audiences. Tickets may be purchased at www.footlightplayers.org or by calling 219-874-4035.
Following THE LOST BOY, will be Footlight’s Summer Youth Program, and a special presentation, one weekend only fundraiser; 110 STORIES by Sarah Tuft directed by Alayna Lauritsen. Auditions for 110 STORIES will be held Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9 at 6pm inside Footlight Theatre at 1705 Franklin St. Michigan City.
Photos are by Lara West:
Sean O’Rourke (Mike Kilbourne) and James Barrie (Noel Carlson) didn’t start out as the best of muckers (Scottish slang for buddy), but time and maturity bring them an easy reunion which helps stitch this wonderful tale together.
Margaret (Ericka Kilbourne) and James (Noel Carlson) Barrie struggle to overcome their complicated and tragic past to finally be able to enjoy time spent together.
Tinker Bell (Melissa Minix) is in a fright as Captain Hook (J Swindell) tries to intimidate Peter Pan (Jayce Swindell) aboard his ship.
Young James (Katelyn West) runs home for comfort after a heartbreaking morning but receives much less than the warm embrace he desires from Mother (Ericka Kilbourne).
Maureen O’Rourke (Nora Ryszka) plays a gentle, yet crucial role in the development of Peter Pan, asking of Barrie (Noel Carlson) the pivotal questions all readers want to know as he tells her this tale of Peter Pan.