The Peterites, past and present are among the first who will be doing a seasonal production this December. “A Christmas Wish” is a musical that tries to reach the core of gift giving, hope and a heartfelt wish.

Jehan Bastians and Neidra Williams are working with old and present boys from St. Peters’ College, Colombo and a few outside female guest actors on this family Christmas entertainment. It looks more than fun to see a huge cast working together on a story that is of the age-old premise of good versus evil and centred on the events revolving around a well-loved time of the year. 

The production is presented by the English Literary and Drama Society of St. Peter’s College in association with Silent Hands Creative Writers Circle. Dmitri Gunatilake is working with the boys on music, while Roshni Gunaratne is looking into the choreography.

The musical follows the story of some disruption in the North Pole, with Jack Frost, Santa’s ‘right hand’ being won over by his malevolent sister, the Snow Queen. In the meantime a fatherless child wishes for a father and a husband for his mother. How Santa solves both matters at once is the rest of the story, revealing a heart of care that plans every gift and thereby presenting an alternate charisma to the jolly gift-machine we’re usually presented with. 

Neidra Williams, who co-wrote and is co-directing the play, commented that it is a complete mixed bag of seniors and juniors with newcomers among all age groups. “Back in 2010 we did a school production with old boys similar to this one. I learnt theatre by observing seniors - you see them acting, analysing the script and interpreting it their way. In a lot of ways, that is the best way to learn. It’s the same opportunity that these boys have to watch their seniors.” The play casts in over 6o boys, old and present Peterites, and females in guest roles.

Eshan Denipitiya, 18, who is described to be “one half of the music director”, co-directs the music with Dmitri Gunatilake. He relates to us the experience, “Some of them couldn’t even pitch at the beginning. We have all come a long way from there and also paid attention to the whole presentation aspect, not just singing. All that is important since it is a musical. The musical basically weaves an unusual story around the usual Christmas vibes. It revolves around a grown-up Christmas wish. We’re singing new and old Christmas tunes, like “While you were sleeping”, “Peace on Earth”, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”, Most Wonderful Time of the year” and so on. There are also twists on lyrics on well known songs that people will find amusing.” He is also part of the cast as a senior elf.

Danu Innasithamby (Santa) – It’s been a while since I have been on stage and I wanted to get back for sometime now. This role in particular is one that casts out stereotyping – there is a certain mentality about Santa. This play however, shows him to have a heart of planning that is the base of any gift. It is fun – you feel important playing such a role!! I’m working with Neidra and Jehan after 2002, when I was part of the Shakespeare cast they were directing. I know for a fact that this can be a great place to discover talent. The cast is huge and the commitment is huge too.

Johann Perera (Santa) – It’s pretty amazing to be here. It’s the first time I’m taking up such a role and it is fun to be working with the rest of the team, which makes the journey enjoyable. It’s a very jolly role and my physical appearance helps too! To keep up with Danu who plays the role on alternate days is a bit of a challenge. What I like best about playing the role is to be able to step into the soles of a well loved and redemptive character. I’m going to miss it once it’s over!

Neidra Williams (Snow Queen) – this is a role of a rather evil, plotting character who feels she can do a better job than Santa. She also has alternate ideas for what Christmas should be – cold, dark and macabre. What I like about the role is that it’s nice to be evil and powerful.

Sashini Wakwella(Mrs. Claus) – Being part of this production has actually been quite rewarding. There is so much of effort and commitment put in to this not only by the school boys but everyone else in the team. It comes to a point where everyone is part of a large family. We’ve made some great friendships along the way. I’m not really looking forward to the time when the post production blues will set in, but I know we’ll be left with great memories.

Ivan Saverus (Jack Frost) – It’s challenging to portray a battle within himself. Though he loves Santa and hates evil, cannot help being enticed by the Snow Queen. He works in contradictions and yet stands testimonial to the true plight of man and the tug-of-war within.  I have always been playing villains ;) Working with Neidra as co-artist is great and the experience she brings with her is a great plus.

Iranga Mendis Wickremesinghe (Mike, the replacement Santa finds for his front-man, Frost) – Having to display a variety of emotions is interesting as much as challenging. There’s a thought process that has to go beneath dialogue and execution. I love working with the entire team, juniors right up to the seniors and guest actors in female roles.

Demintha Fonseka (Rudolf) – This is a character that has gone through a lot of bullying and comes out of it eventually, parallel to people beginning to appreciate him. In short, it’s a relatable scenario. This will be my first time in professional theatre and to imitate the behaviour and mannerisms of an animal is a challenging. It’s amazing to be able to make so many friends. Having to balance extra curricular activities and school work is not easy and drama has taught me that it is important to perform well everywhere.

Sheshan Dias (Rudolf) – I couldn’t initially relate much to the role but later I became more understanding. I eventually came to like this character very much and enjoy playing it immensely.

Teshner Gerrard (Junior Elf) – It’s a lot of fun, and I’ve made friends. First it was kind of difficult to adapt to the role and then it was okay.

A CHRISTMAS WISH – A musical by Jehan Bastians, Neidra Williams and the Peterites

Dates : 6th, 7th and 8th December 2013
Time : 7.30pm
Venue : Lionel Wendt
Tickets are now available at College, the Lionel Wendt and on Anything.lk

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan