Take flight to Neverland with Peter Pan

            Fly away for grand adventures with Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, and Tinker Bell in Peter Pan, the musical. Audiences of all ages will delight in traveling to Neverland when the boy who never grows up soars onto Mainstage Center for the Art’s stage, November 22 – 24. Based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved story, this journey includes Peter and the Lost Boys’ battle versus the sinister Captain Hook and his pirate crew, suspense-filled moments with Tiger Lily and her tribe, and help from the audience to save Tinker Bell. It features the popular songs “Never Never Land,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and “I’m Flying.”

            The production features several Gloucester Township actors including Laura Wade, who stars in the title role of Peter Pan; Joe Penn, who portrays Captain Hook; and Kiara Johnson, who plays Nana/1st Brave.

            “I'm really excited about playing Peter Pan. I think a lot of times people just skim the surface of Peter's character and assume he's just a boy who doesn't want to grow up. However, our directing team is pushing us all to look further into our characters' history It's fascinating to come up with ideas as to why Peter doesn't want to grow up, how he found Neverland and why he's the only person who can fly without pixie dust!” said Wade.

            Penn is also digging deeper into his character.

            “I’m focused on gathering qualities that I don’t like in people as I create the Hook’s character. That, and thinking of the traits of real-life pirates, people who steal and pillage,” said Penn. “I’m excited abou the battles between Hook and his crew, which never get old. The whole story is just timeless, with its excitement, the fantasy of being able to fly and stay young forever. It’s just a magical show.”

            Bringing the magical story to life are Director Katie Keith of West Deptford assistant director Claire Berger of Gloucester Township, and music director Jessica Kolody of Bellmawr. They direct a cast of 35 local actors, which, in addition to those mentioned above, includes: Gianna Richezza of Washington Township (Wendy), Brian Lynn of Washington Township (John), Michael Schaffner of Mantua (Michael), Anthony Magnotta of Runnemede (Smee),  Michelle DeVuono-Capps of Washington Township (Starkey), Cailyn Wolf of Williamstown (Tiger Lily), Marlena Richeal of Elk Township (Mrs. Darling), Alyssa Sileo of Williamstown (Liza), and Courtlyn Ardito of Washington Township (Jane).

            Peter Pan runs November 22, 7 p.m, and November 23 & 24, 3 p.m. in the newly-renovated fully-accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, 200 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ. Ticket prices: $12 adults, $10 senior citizens/children 12 and under. Group prices are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.mainstage.org or call (855) 93-MAINSTAGE (855-936-2467, ext. 3). Non-profit group rates are available.

            The production is sponsored by the Law Office of Micheal A. Smolensky, LLC,  CBT Systems, LLC, and Lees Productions. Mainstage’s 2013-14 season of shows and concerts is sponsored by Comegno Law Group, PC.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, celebrating its 25th anniversary year, is located in Blackwood, NJ. It is committed to making the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at (855) 93-MAINSTAGE, (855-936-2467) at the time of purchasing tickets, or at least five days prior to the event you are attending.

            Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults.  This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is also made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.