Riley Stewart is the director of the Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) production of Peter Pan and Wendy. Stewart has worked many times before with the OLT–in sound design and as assistant director for the production of Marion Bridge last year–but this is his first time in the director’s chair.
Stewart has been a theatre artist in the Ottawa area since 1984, working with the many notable theatre companies around Ottawa, including the National Art Centre (NAC). Stewart is one of those multi-talented artists that Ottawa is good at producing. In addition to his directing skills, he has been an actor, composer and sound-design artist. In 1994, he wrote the musical Exhibit A, which was performed at the NAC. Riley also teaches arts education in local high schools, sharing the craft of theatre and sound design with youth.
Stewart says it was Doug Rand who drew him to the adaptation of the J. M. Barrie story, which, he notes, is “iconic”. He explains the process involved in choosing the play Peter Pan and Wendy. The OLT Board chooses a list of possible plays for which its directors can submit an expression of interest. Stewart says that the play appealed to his love of imaginative theatre. “It’s big, colourful and physical theatre”, he continues, with enthusiasm in his voice.
Stewart notes that Peter Pan and Wendy gives him a unique opportunity to work with a large cast of 20 actors, which is not always the case for a volunteer-based theatre company like the OLT. “It’s a rare gift”, he says. Bringing big productions to the stage can be expensive, and opportunities for directing a big play are not always available to directors. Stewart is thrilled with this chance to take on a physical play with an amazing story, and directing such a large and talented cast.
Stewart’s direction of this production offers new insights and interpretations to the story of Peter Pan and Wendy. It is not simply a retelling of the classic Peter Pan tale. Stewart is excited about the fresh take that this production offers under his direction. For example, the audience may be surprised to discover Peter’s nemesis, Captain Hook, is a female pirate in this production.
This production combines Stewart’s love of theatre and music, and he brings his substantial talents to the production. Stewart has written an original song for the play called “Star of Your Own”. In the program, the audience will be provided with a code which they can use to download the song at home and have their own copy. “This is the holiday season show, and if the audience leaves with a smile on their face from having watched a really good show, I have done what I wanted to do.”, says Stewart.
Peter Pan and Wendy runs from November 29 to December 16 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on December 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Ottawa Little Theatre or can be purchased online. http://www.ottawalittletheatre.com/peter-pan-wendy/