Let your inner child out and escape to Neverland.
Thirty-three young actors, singers and dancers are homing their theatrical chops for Peter Pan JR, this year’s Moving Theatre Performing Arts Musical Youth Summer Theatre (MYST) presentation.
An adaptation of the Broadway musical for youth, MYST partners Kelly Coubrough and Lynette Lightfoot have chosen Peter Pan JR for the 2024 edition of their three-week summer program.
Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale, and one of the most beloved and frequently performed stories, it comes to life when Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the Darling family nursery late one night.
Just a sprinkle of fairy dust and the children embark on a magical journey to Neverland. On their adventure of a lifetime, they encounter a ticking crocodile, the fierce Brave Girls and Brave Boys, a band of bungling pirates and the villainous Captain Hook himself!
Adapted for young actors by Musical Theatre International (MTI), Peter Pan JR features iconic songs I’m Flying, I've Gotta Crow, I Won't Grow Up and Never Never Land.
“Peter Pan JR is the perfect show for the child in all of us, who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up,” notes the MTI website. “It is a dream come true for groups looking to bring magic to their stage and entertain countless families.”
Musical Theatre InternationaI’s Broadway Junior shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals scripted for performance by high school students.
“This a story about Wendy, who is on the cusp of transition to adulthood, and this brings her back into the magical world of Neverland where she can enjoy remaining a child,” said musical director Coubrough. “It reminds us to hold onto our inner child and celebrate it.”
Peter Pan JR is MYST’s fourth summer theatre production, with Coubrough’s business partner Lynette Lightfoot choreographing and Chris Iversen directing the collaboration with Shuswap Theatre and Moving Theatre Performing Arts.
“Peter Pan JR has a lot of roles; we like to give as many people a chance as possible,” said Coubrough, pointing out there are large groups of characters of all ages, who have a lot to do by singing, acting and dancing in this fully staged and fully costumed production. “The kids are having a ball; every day they work hard but they’re here because they enjoy what they’re doing. We hold them to a very high standard and they always rise to meet it.”
That is evident in the fact that registration for kids from eight to 16 filled completely in one day, with the junior ages eight-to-12 group filling up in one hour.
“There is a good mix of new and returning actors.They become a cohesive group; age goes out the window and they work together as one team,” said Coubrough. “What makes this whole show so impressive is that basically they are doing this in 15 days.”
There are four performances to choose from – 6 p.m. Friday, July 26, 1:30 and 6 p.m. Saturday, July 27 and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
Tickets are available online at shuswaptheatre.com or at Choose Refill Salmon Arm behind Wendy's, and open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 am. to 4 p.m.
