Greendale Student Finds Her Moment On Stage Performing Peter Pan

Acting allowed Clara Faile, a Greendale High School student, to find a place where she wasn't consumed by her disability.

Clara has Tourette syndrome, a nervous-system disorder. And when she's playing the lead part of Peter Pan, her symptoms -- the stuttering, ticks and spasms that seem all consuming -- transcend all of that, according to a story in the Journal Sentinel.

According to the story:

Watching 16-year-old Clara rehearse the complex show - which opened last weekend and includes flying actors on wires - would not lead many to suspect she lives with Tourette syndrome, a nervous-system disorder that she was formally diagnosed with in elementary school.

Out of character, her shoulders may briefly shudder. Or she may hop in a way one might if bitten by an insect. Or she might make some quick, breathy grunts. But when a scene begins, those traits rarely, if ever, appear.

The opening weekend is in the books, but Greendale residents have a couple more chances to check out the Greendale High School Theater's production of Peter Pan.

Two more shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets to the evening performances are $10 for adults and $8 for students 18 and under.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online. For more ticket information, call (414) 367-8861 or email ghstheatre@wi.rr.com.