HHS senior Nina Jankowicz will perform her character this weekend at Montgomery High School.
By: Donna Lukiw
Hillsborough High School senior Nina Jankowicz landed her biggest acting role last month and is ready to perform her character, Peter Pan, during this weekend’s show at Montgomery High School presented by the Sourland Hills Actors Guild.
As Peter Pan, Nina will be singing and performing as one of her favorite childhood characters.
"I’m really excited," she said. "Peter Pan is the show I grew up with."
Nina has performed in different plays at her high school, including her role as Kate in last year’s spring play, "Kiss Me, Kate," but this time Nina had to audition with more than 100 people.
"This is probably the biggest role I’ve ever played," she said about Peter Pan. "It’s a lot of fun. I get to work with kids."
Under the direction of Moggie Davis, more than 60 local actors adults and children will perform "Peter Pan" while a live orchestra accompanies the singers.
"She truly embodied the spirit of Peter Pan," Ms. Davis said about Nina. "There’s a certain energy and magic about Peter Pan. You can’t really teach someone that. You either have it or you don’t and Nina has it."
As part of the show, the Sourland Hills Actors Guild hired Flying by Foy, the professional company used by Broadway to fly the actors around the stage to Neverland.
Although Nina and the rest of the cast members are still rehearsing the play, she said she is confident the show will come together by this weekend.
"I’m sure everybody will do great," Nina said. "It’s a very talented cast of kids and adults."
While Nina also is concentrating on her school work and college applications, she said she has been getting a lot of support from her teachers and friends.
"A bunch of my teachers are coming and a lot of my friends are coming," Nina said. "They’re very supportive of me."
Nina is planning on majoring in international relations next year but she also plans on being involved in her college’s theater productions.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Center for the Performing Arts in Montgomery High School in Skillman.
Tickets are $10 each and will be available at the door or in advance at the box office.
For more information, contact the Sourland Hills Actors Guild at 904-0489.

