If you go
› What: “Peter Pan”› Where: Mars Theatre, 117 N. Chattanooga St., LaFayette, Georgia› When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, May 17-25› Admission: $16, $13 for students and senior adults› For more information: www.bapshows.com
Ali Gilbreath plays Tinker Bell. / Back Alley Productions PhotoJoin the actors of Back Alley Productions on an adventure to the magical island of Neverland when the cast opens "Peter Pan" on Friday, May 17, for six performances.
"The production is based on the original novel by J.M. Barrie," says James Reed, director. "Naturally it features all of the classic characters from the Darling children - Wendy, John and Michael - to Mr. Smee, the ticking crocodile, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and, of course, Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up."
After hunting his shadow down to the Darling residence in London, Peter recruits Wendy, Michael and John to join him and the lost boys for adventure in Neverland. But the dreadful and dangerous Captain Hook, Peter's rival on the island, has a plan of his own.
When Peter Pan arrives in the Darling nursery, he almost instantly entices the children with stories of the excitement and wonders of Neverland. But the children soon learn that when something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
"Ultimately, the story is about growing up and facing that hard jump from being a kid to becoming an adult," Reed explains.
"It's a story that I've wanted to do for some time, but had a hard time working up the courage to do so. The idea of making children fly in a black box theater was daunting. And this story is so beloved, that I knew that if we didn't pull it off I would never be forgiven. But I'm grateful to say we've got a great show on our hands, and a talented cast and crew, who have taken my idea and created a fantastic retelling of a classic story."
Audiences can expect a good time filled with amazing talent, fun characters, witty dialogue, swashbuckling sword fights and a few aerial acrobatics.
The production is a great summer outing for the entire family.
"I love the story, all of the characters, and the joy at the idea of being able to stay young forever," Reed says. "When you're a kid, growing up can sometimes be a terrifying thing. But J.M. Barrie gave us a story to demonstrate that, in the end, growing up is not such a bad thing. And that is what the show means to me."
For more information or tickets, visit www.BAPshows.com or call 706-621-2870. Tickets can be purchased at the box office 30 minutes before shows. Seating is first-come, first-served.