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04/15/2008 11:18 AM

 

The Legend of Pocahontas, Due To Perform At The New Castle Playhouse April 15, 2008 The Legend of Pocahontas is set to take stage at the New Castle Playhouse beginning Friday, April 18th and continuing through the weekend. The Youth Theatre Production is directed by Peggy Hanna, choreographed by Amee Boughter, and written by Vera Morris. The play tells a story of an eleven-year-old spirited Indian, Pocahontas, as she finds a way to live in harmony and friendship with the settlers of Jamestown. Show times for the performance are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday. “We expect a really great turnout this year for the youth show. Many children from area schools are taking field trips to the day performances to view the show and reservations for the evening performances are already pouring in,” Boughter said. Eleven of twelve possible school performances are booked over the two-week run of the Legend of Pocahontas. The play will run again the weekend of April 25th. There were over 50 children that tried out for the dancing roles, which resulted in the “best of the best” for each role as Boughter mentioned. Research had to be done on “Indian dance styles,” but Boughter choreographed an earthier look rather than tribal look for the play. “I had an absolute blast working with them,” added Boughter, who was involved in the productions at the Playhouse when she was younger. “Most of the choreography came naturally to the kids and didn’t take much time at all.” Director Peggy Hanna adds, “The kids are always a great time. They certainly kept me on my toes. The cast includes several kids I have worked with before and many new faces to the playhouse.” Hanna has directed plays since 1996 including a youth production at the NCP in 1996. In the fall of 2007 Hanna directed a production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Youngstown Playhouse. Hanna majored in technical theatre at Grove City College and graduated with a degree in Communications Arts. Upcoming productions a the New Castle Playhouse include South Pacific in the summer of 2007 and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as the end of the year winter production. The New Castle Playhouse is celebrating its Golden Anniversary, its 50th year in operation. The Playhouse has brought art to the community since 1958.