The Lost Boy

By Ronald Gabriel Paolillo

Directed by DeeDee Bouzek, with scenic design by Amanda Potratz

Stoughton High School Performing Arts is set to produce “The Lost Boy” by Ron Palillo. The playwright is more famously known for his role as Arnold Horshack in Welcome Back Kotter. Not a stranger to Broadway, Ron Palillo acted in and directed a number of award winning plays and musicals. He wrote his first and only full length play, “The Lost Boy” in 2005.

"The Lost Boy" tells the story of writer James M. Barrie. Despite finding success and fame as a writer, James M. Barrie is dissatisfied with his work and his life. He returns to his hometown in Scotland to visit his mother, who still blames him for the long-ago death of his older brother in a skating pond. Haunted by the tragic accident and his mother's harsh words, James slowly begins to confront his family's tragic past with the help of an unexpected friendship and his own gift for storytelling. This fictionalized account of the birth of Peter Pan warms the hearts of audiences everywhere who remember the magic and mystery of “The Boy Wouldn't Grow Up”.

Senior, Reese Bahrke leads the cast as J.M. Barrie. Other notable roles include: Emalyn Bauer as his muse, Maureen, Broderick McCloskey as his friend Sean, Nicole Huset as his mother, Madelyn Falk as his wife Mary Ansell, Nicholas Swenson as Peter Pan, Sami Markle as Old Crow and Sophie Bouzek as Tinkerbell. The rest of the cast fills the scenes becoming the pirates, fairies, lost boys and Darlings: Ellie Trotter, Evan Jensen, Alyssa Wicks, Sean McGlynn, Kira Fields, Bergen Gardner, Kayley Novotny, Laken Oler, Callie Jordan, Michael Church, Miranda Heimsoth,and Kailee Whitmire.

Directed by DeeDee Bouzek, with scenic design by Amanda Potratz, this production of “The Lost Boy” is both beautiful and haunting. With the use of boxes, see-saws and ladders, we have created Neverland. “Peter Pan has always been my favorite story,” says Bouzek. “When I read this retelling, I knew I wanted to share it with an audience. It is funny, and sweet. It is simple and amazing.”

Produced by Stoughton High School Performing Arts at Stoughton High School Performing Arts Center, 600 Lincoln Ave. Stoughton, WI

Performances: April 6-8, 2017

Performance Times:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm.

Ticket Prices: $8 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, Tickets available at www.showtix4u.com or at the door.