The South Canterbury community is invited to follow the second star to the right as Peter Pan Jr premieres tonight.
Primary school-age children from the junior section of the South Canterbury Drama League are performing the musical, based on the classic play by Sir J.M. Barrie.
Director Hayley Goodman said she had loved the process of watching Peter Pan Jr come alive on stage. “Peter Pan has been my dream show to direct. ” The production has been choreographed by Amanda Rumenapf, with musical direction by Megan Holden.
The story follows Peter and his fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, who visit the nursery of the Darling children Wendy, Michael and John, and — with a sprinkling of pixie dust — begin a magical journey across the stars.
In the adventure of a lifetime, the travellers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, the fierce Brave Girls led by Tigerlily, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.
“The children involved in this production are so hard-working and you can feel the energy in the room at every rehearsal. These kids are hungry to perform,” Ms Goodman said.
Cate Wilkins, who plays the title role of Peter Pan, continues the Broadway and West End tradition of Pan being played by a female.
Others to watch out for are Sienna Franklin as Tigerlily, Esme Tombs as Captain Hook, and newcomer Elsie Evans as Wendy, with Tegan Graham playing Nana the dog.
The show runs until October 8. To buy a ticket, visit iticket.co.nz
