By Harlan Rose

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Several students from MHS proved they could fly in Diamond in the Rough’s (DITR) production of “Peter Pan” at the Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College from Nov. 21 to 23. Directed by MHS alumna Kristi Kashimoto-Rowbottom, the musical retold the classic Disney tale and starred Senior Nicholas Howe as the titular character.

“It is actually very fun to perform with the community because you get experience (with) different people, not just Mililani because with high school (productions), it’s pretty much just with the kids that’s around high school,” said Junior Lizbeth Orego, who portrayed Tinkerbell. “But with (DITR), it’s pretty much everyone around. Anyone can audition.”

Most of the actors decided which role they would audition for based on their career goals. “I’ve never gotten the lead before. I’ve gotten leads and principal roles, but I’ve never gotten ‘the’ lead, so I think this was the next step in my career path to kind of get to the next level,” expressed Howe. Junior Alexandria Ireijo, who portrayed Mr. Smee, said, “As the actor who plays Captain Hook is actually an actor in New York, I really wanted to, I guess, get a chance to work with somebody who’s at the next level.”

In order to assume their roles, the actors each went through individual rehearsal sessions with Kashimoto-Rowbottom. “For my character, especially since I cannot speak to portray my emotions and feelings and other such, we had a whole session one time during rehearsals, so it was just me and her for a whole hour,” explained Orego. “We pretty much sat in front of the mirror and worked on facial expressions because I have to be very good at emoting.”

Between schoolwork and the play, the students discovered the importance of time management. “It’s been very hard because I don’t have that much time to do my homework and during the rehearsals, I’m pretty much involved for the whole time and I don’t have any time to do it,” said stage crew member Junior Seth Thomsen. Ireijo added, “I’m pretty sure that the balance isn’t as hard, you just need to know how to manage your time wisely.”

Overall, those involved felt that the production came together well in the end. “The actors are great, the singing is great, the dancing is great, but the production is pretty immense. The set is elaborate, the costumes are detailed, it’s pretty amazing,” said Howe. Thomsen added, “It (turned) out pretty well, all the actors (were) pretty good, the sets (weren’t) too hard to move around.”

Additionally, Kashimoto-Rowbottom was pleased with the musical’s successful run. “I was extremely proud of our final product. I felt that the cast worked really hard to display my and my team’s vision and I was so pleased with their dedication, hard work and talent,” said Kashimoto-Rowbottom.

The actors each felt that they gained unique experience by performing for the community. “It feels really great. It’s not a school production, so the public is open to seeing it, as it is with (the Central Theatre Arts Academy), but there’s more of a higher chance (of others seeing it), especially because you’re at Paliku Theatre and you’re in a giant stage,” expressed Ireijo. “So it’s nice to entertain others outside of the school community.”

Many of the actors have been involved in past DITR and CTAA productions, with some also taking part in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”