Junior Theater Celebrates 300th Production With ‘Pegora’
Since 1951, Davenport Junior Theatre (DJT) has been making theatre “For Kids, By Kids.” Pegora the Witch is a musical that launches DJT’s 65th season and marks the 300th mainstage production.
“Not many theatre companies can claim such a long history,” said Daniel Sheridan, Artistic Director. “The only way organizations last this long is because they grow with the times and strive passionately to serve its core mission. Ours is to impact youth by empowering them with the performing arts, onstage, backstage and in the audience. We believe in kids and that what they learn here will serve them for life. That focus has carried DJT through good times and tough times. I am a proud former DJT kid myself.”
Pegora the Witch is a musical full of goodness. As a witch apprentice, Pegora has an essential flaw in her nature – she cannot help but do good things. The head witch gives her one last chance to try to do something bad, steal the princesses of the kingdom. Pegora runs into many memorable characters on her adventure and must come to terms with her real passion – a love of cooking.
The show features a cast and crew of over 30 students from 8 different QCA towns. Local professional theatre artists work alongside the kids to create a dynamic theatrical experience while training them in theatrical production.
Directing the show is DJT alum and Saint Ambrose University senior, Sam Jones. “I always knew I wanted to come back to DJT,” said Jones. “There’s nothing quite like it in the adult world of theatre. Kids have such a fantastic realm of creativity and imagination. They come at any role, no matter the size, with an enthusiasm that is prevalent on a day-to-day basis. There are always more possibilities and ideas to them, and they inspire me.”
This is not the first time DJT has produced Pegora the Witch. This will be DJT’s sixth time producing the show. Previous productions occurred in 1970, 1975, 1981, 1989, 1999.
“We wanted to do a DJT classic this season,” shared Kristin Meyer, board president and Pegora costume designer. “Many generations have done this show in the past. I, myself, was Pegora in the 1981 production. The show has such a positive message for kids that I feel lucky to revisit it again as the costume designer.”
DJT is indeed a multi-generational affair. Ms. Meyer’s son, Zachary Meyer, is a graduate of Saint Ambrose University and is the professional lighting designer on the show. Tami Byram Mahl was also in the 1981 production as a kid. She will now have the pleasure of seeing her daughter, Katie Mahl, in the same show.
“I am so thrilled that Junior Theatre is still an important part of our community and even more excited that our daughters have had the opportunity to participate in it and have enjoyed it as much as I did, “ said Byram Mahl. “Junior Theatre helped develop my self-confidence and public speaking skills, as well as other life skills like cooperation, teamwork, preparation, time management, and responsibility. I am so proud of my girls and of Junior Theatre and its great staff.”
“I’m just one example of thousands of kids who have been given the gift of confidence, creativity, and empathy because of time spent at DJT,” said Jones. “I can say with full certainty that I would not be the man I am today if it weren’t for Junior Theatre. I’ve always felt like DJT has been, first and foremost, a place where kids can be who they are. DJT gives kids a place to grow up, make friends, and gain some skills along the way.”
Founded in 1951, Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, (563) 326-7862, www.DavenportJuniorTheatre.org , is the nation’s second-oldest children’s theatre. Classes and camps are offered year-round in theatre and dance for students ages three to eighteen. Classes are as varied as acting, improvisation, character development, and sound design. In the quickly-growing dance division – which is only a few years old – young dancers learn poise and confidence while having fun and making friends in a non-competitive dance environment. DJT also holds a Spectrum Theatre program, serving youth on the autism spectrum or any challenge that may inhibit communication. Through all these opportunities, DJT prepares kids for a lifetime of success, no matter what path their lives may take.
Pegora the Witch Performances are Saturdays 1 and 4 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. Oct. 22-23 and 29-30.
Tickets: Ages 3-17: $6.00, Adults: $8.00, Under 2: Free.
