Mary Hogan School’s Pegasus Theater Is Putting on Once Upon a Leprechaun

By Marcie Bolton

photo provided

For seventeen years Debbie Hadeka has been leading the Mary Hogan School’s Pegasus Theatre group putting on productions of all types and sorts.  This year Ms. Hadeka is working with 25 cast members from grades 5 and 6 on the production of Once Upon a Leprechaun.  Ms Hadeka describes the story; “It is a story about a young shepherd named Fin O'Grady who wants to marry his sweet Pegeen.  Three little leprechauns try to help the tongue-tied boy learn how to tell a story in order to win the hand of his true love.  Several stories are spun throughout the play and many delightful characters emerge as Fin learns to tell a story.  With uplifting Celtic melodies and slapstick humor, it is sure to inspire many a chuckle in the wee as well as the old.”  

Pegasus will also have four students working as part of the backstage crew, helping with the sound system and stage lighting and stage design and art work.  

Ms. Hadeka recalls how things have changed over time, “In the past, we have had as many as 80 students involved in the program.  Numbers have declined due to a smaller school population as well as the increase of after school activities that are available to kids.”

Ms. Hadeka’s commitment to children’s theatre means the children have to be committed too.  There are three practices per week for a few months right after school until 4:30.  As the production date gets closer, practices usually go later.   Pegasus Theatre aims to demonstrate to audiences the unique power of children's theater and that a bunch of children and adults working together on an artistic endeavor can make something very memorable.

Talking with Jane Holmes, a sixth grader, who will play a Little Person and a Boat Man she said, “My favorite parts of being in Pegasus Theatre are performing in front of friends and family,” and she loves “having fun with her cast mates on stage!”  Her favorite piece is singing the Ever After song.  
Once Upon a Leprechaun will take place on Friday April 13 at 7:00 in the Mary Hogan School gymnasium.