Marquette plans soaring production of 'Peter Pan' April 13

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Marquette Catholic High School student Edie Tesson glides through the air and across the stage in the school gymnasium during "flight training" by a Chicago-based company that specializes in all types of theatrical riggings. Tesson will play Peter Pan in the play of the same name on April 13-15.

Flight trainer Jamie Nicklas, left, watches as 8-year-old John Elmdorf flies through the air above other actors during training.

Edie Tesson, who will be playing the part of Peter Pan, reacts to the feeling of being lifted off the stage during recent flight training.

The lifters, using a rope and pulley system, wait for their cues backstage to make the actors in Peter Pan fly across the stage.

Jamie Nicklas, left, gives Edie Tesson some flight tips during training for Marquette Catholic High School's Upcoming production of Peter Pan.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

Flight school is in session as Marquette Catholic High School in Alton prepares for its performance of "Peter Pan" April 13-15.

ALTON — "The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it," according to J.M. Barrie in Peter Pan.

There were no doubts on the stage at Marquette Catholic High School in recent days. A select number of student performers have been taking "flight training" for the upcoming performance of Peter Pan, April 13-15, under the direction of Brett Klaus.

As part of preparation Jamie Nicklas, a representative from Vertigo Theatricals in Chicago, has been at the school setting up rigging over the stage in the gymnasium and training cast members who have to fly. Employing a two-wire system and pulleys, operators behind the scenes can lift the actors fast and high, using the mechanical advantage of the pulley system that makes each person feel like they weigh just one fourth of what they actually do.

Peter Pan is being played by MCHS student Edie Tesson who seemingly defied gravity many times during her training. With a point of her finger, she was flying from one side of the stage to the other.

For a younger part, John Elmdorf, 8, was brought in to portray Michael in the production. Flying in the air and landing was clearly a real thrill for the 8-year-old.

The production is an involved one, with other students working to shape alligators for the set out of cardboard and plastic pipe.

Klaus' mother, Ruth, was the director of the Peter Pan performance at Marquette in 2001. MCHS faculty, parents and students raised nearly $20,000 this past winter at the Christmas Concert Dinner to help the show.

"The show is an entire community effort," said Brett Klaus. "The cast includes Marquette High School students as well as half a dozen local middle and elementary schools represented by the younger cast.

"Besides professional flying, the show features our engineering students, alongside Sam Vest Studios (by an MCHS grad in Los Angeles) who designed our imposing crocodile," Klaus said. "The orchestra is also local, comprised of many musicians from the Alton Symphony Orchestra."

Klaus is also the show's musical director and conductor. This is the first time he's directed a MCHS production that his mother also had directed.

Robert Price is assistant director. Suzanne Tesson is the set piece designer and builder, whose work includes a pirate ship. Mary Fox is the choreographer. MCHS Art Club students helped design and paint the set pieces.

Tickets for the performances are $10 and can be purchased online at www.marquettecatholic.org. Children 7 and younger will be admitted for free. The show also includes two intermissions.

Ron DeBrock contributed to this story.