Notre Dame alum and VEX IQ robotics team providing some necessary locomotion for upcoming production of Peter Pan Jr.
Members of Notre Dame’s VEX IQ robotics teams are putting their knowledge of technology to work in the production of the middle division's Peter Pan Jr., which opens February 10. Tickets available here.
According to a parent who helps mentor the robotics teams, Andrew Palardy, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2012, helped current middle-division students build a robotic drivetrain to go underneath the play's crocodile character (which eats a ticking clock out of Captain Hook’s hand). She said the students built the device out of VEX robotics parts that were supplied by science teacher Sue McGinnis, who moderates the Killer Bees high school robotics team.
“Thanks to the supply donation from Ms. McGinnis, the kids were able to build an eight-motor drivetrain that can be controlled remotely,” the parent said.
Andrew Palardy led the project with Aaron Palardy, John Milback, Maddy Beaudoin and Joe Lasota pitching in to help build the robot.
More about Peter Pan Jr.
Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score by Morris "Moose" Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. This high-flying Tony Award-winning musical has been performed around the world and delighted audiences for 60 years and is now adapted for young performers.
Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.
Featuring the iconic songs, "I'm Flying," "I've Gotta Crow," "I Won't Grow Up" and "Never Never Land," and a rousing book full of magic, warmth and adventure, Peter Pan JR. is the perfect show for the child in all of us… who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. Peter Pan JR. is a dream come true for groups looking to bring magic to their stage and entertain countless families.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.