Pritzker Students to Showcase Performing Arts Talents in
J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, March 31, April 1 & 2
Live Orchestra to Accompany Show; Tickets $5.00
CHICAGO, March 25, 2011 – Students from A.N. Pritzker School, a fine and performing arts magnet cluster school and regional gifted center in Wicker Park, will perform Peter Pan in the school’s auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
Performances will be held on Thursday, March 31, and Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and at the door. Pritzker is located at 2009 W. Schiller Street.
Peter Pan, a musical with songs and lyrics by Piers Chater-Robinson, is based on the novel by J. M. Barrie, who wrote about “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up”, a fairy play about an ageless boy and an girl named Wendy who has magical adventures in the fantasy setting of Neverland. Peter Pan is Pritzker’s fourth annual all-school musical production.
“Each year, our students are more and more excited about these performances, and our audiences have grown larger and larger,” said Dr. Joenile S. Albert-Reese, principal of Pritzker. “The show will include a live orchestra, many are Pritzker students. It promises to be another great opportunity for friends, family and the surrounding community to see our students at their finest.”
During the last three years, Pritzker students performed The WIZ, Willy Wonka Jr. and Annie Jr. to sold-out crowds. A fourth show has been added to accommodate ticket demand.
A Leading Fine Arts School
The cast includes more than 90 students from kindergarten through eighth grade who have been rehearsing since autumn. A live orchestra conducted by Pritzker’s Music Director, Jenai Jenkins, will accompany the production. The 10-piece ensemble will consist of violins, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and flute, and will be accompanied by Kai Alexander, a local Wicker Park resident and composer, performer, pianist of 32 years. Students also have provided inspiration for the set through their artwork. Students got hands on experience designing and fashioning props, collaborating on the designs for the scenic backdrops and working with Pritzker’s Art Director, Mindy Schwartz, to paint and construct the set.
“We continue to be thrilled by the developing talent we’re seeing in our students, and we’re confident this performance will be a treat for everyone who attends,” said Mrs. Jenkins.
Pritzker warmly welcomes Nathaniel Swift as drama teacher and Director of this year’s production. An Artistic Director of Eclipse Theater Company and Non-Equity Jeff Award Winner for Directing and Acting, Nathaniel Swift, added, “It’s exciting to be working with students – from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. They bring enormous talent, passion and focus to this production of Peter Pan. From the first day of rehearsals, it’s been a pleasure to work with the actors, singers, dancers and backstage crew as we explore this fun, exciting play!”
Dozens of parents and teachers have enthusiastically volunteered countless hours for rehearsals, costume design and other behind-the-scenes support. And local business owners have become Fine Arts partners by purchasing advertising in the playbill.
“We are grateful for the high level of community involvement we’ve had with this production including our new dance company, Danz Theater and Choreographer Lauren Parets. The support provided by our parents, teachers and the local community extends this performance to include a cast of thousands,” said Dr. Reese.
Get tickets at debroseen@comcast.net
Tickets for Peter Pan may be purchased in advance or at the door for $5 for general admission. Tickets may be requested by sending an e-mail to debroseen@comcast.net
About A.N. Pritzker School
A.N. Pritzker School is unique in that it is one of few schools within Chicago Public Schools that is both a Fine Arts Magnet Cluster School and a Regional Gifted Center. We currently have more than 600 students in pre-K through 8th grades. We offer a full-day kindergarten program as well as a half-day pre-school program.
We’d enjoy the opportunity to let you see Pritzker for yourself. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.pritzkerschool.org.
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