playbill vip

Mr. Brett Klaus

Theater & Musical Director

     Of all the shows my Mom, Ruth Klaus, directed over the years – Peter Pan was probably her benchmark production. She was one of those teachers who was great at getting so many different types of kids involved in her productions and I hope I can continue that tradition. Tonight, we have students not just from Marquette but also from St. Ambrose, Bunker Hill Community School, Montessori Children’s School, St. Mary’s Elementary, St. Mary’s Middle School, and Sacred Heart. They have all been such a treat to work with!

     When I decided last year to direct Peter Pan, it was because I knew I would have such a great cast for this show. This is my fourth year at Marquette and these Seniors have grown so much and I'm so proud of their progress; Peter Pan is not a cheap production but because I love this group so much we put on several fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds - the most recent being "Promposal Singing Telegrams" and the most succesful was our Christmas Concert Fundraiser. The results of these fundraisers far exceeded my expectations and you are seeing the results of all that hard work tonight.

     As far as Peter Pan the Musical goes - I was concerned about some of the elements of the show that certainly have some "growing up" to do. I have made small alterations to lessen or eliminate some of the more racial overtones by portraying the “Natives” as indigenous to the Neverland and who are connected to the Darling family and Lost Boys through their love of story-telling. This to me is not an attempt at political-correctness but rather of human decency and respect.  I understand that Barrie did not intend to demean Natives in this show, but his treatment of them is at the very least stereotypical and at most racist. I took this moment as an educational opportunity by having our resident indigenous historian and principal, Tim Harmon, give the students and crew an informational session about the representation of natives in this work which was very well-received.

     I must thank the following staff who all worked hard to bring this show to life: Jason Davis, Jon Rosener, Michele Sands, Robert Price, Sharon Crafton, Diana Root, and Tim Harmon. I also must give an extra special thanks to Suzanne Tesson who had a hand in almost every aspect of this production. Being surrounded by such strong, hard-working women: Amy, Suzanne, Sheila, Paula, Karen, Kellie, Gladys, Linda, Haylie, Maggie, Ginny, and Shannon - reminded me that through their hard work, my Mom’s spirit is still very much alive with this production. Thank you.