Milligan’s theater season took flight on Oct. 24, with the opening night of “Peter Pan & Wendy.” The production, featuring choreographed sword fighting and flying scenes, brought classic characters to life on stage with fresh twists to the original story. The show will run Oct. 24 – 26 in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre, with actors taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. each night. A special matinee will also be shown on Sunday, Oct. 27 starting at 2 p.m.
The show featured some intricate set design and costuming, including a starlit backdrop and an alligator puppet. Tickets were $12, but Milligan freshmen attended opening night for free. Many students took advantage of the offer, nearly filling the theater.
“Peter Pan & Wendy” starred freshman Jeremiah Marsh as the titular Pan, who is a theater arts major from Lebanon, Tennessee. He began acting at age 10, and has loved it ever since. Marsh chose Milligan to pursue his theater career because “it felt like home.” During auditions, he said he hadn’t expected to land the role of Peter Pan. As a freshman, he was just hoping for any part in the play. He described his surprise and excitement at the result, knowing it would be a challenge—but one he was ready to take on.
“It was fun. The audience was great,” Marsh said reflecting on opening night. “Being in front of a full crowd was amazing—showcasing what we’ve been working on and feeling their response. The energy was there.”
“The actors did an amazing job portraying their characters in an energetic and engaging performance,” freshman nursing major Reagan Hilsher said.
Milligan’s theater program is already preparing for their next production, “The Glass Menagerie,” which is scheduled for Feb. 7-8, 2025.
text and pictures by Alissa Smith