Fly off to Neverland! Peter Pan takes flight at The Rose Theater, June 2-18th.
The classic story of the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan shares the story of a boy who escapes growing up by spending his life in the magical realms of Neverland. He meets three children-Wendy, John and Michael, who- who fly with him in a land of pirates, fairies, and Tiger Lilly.
"All of us who have read Peter Pan know that this story tackles what it means to be an adult and what makes childhood special," says Rose artistic director Matthew Gutschick.
The Rose's production of Peter Pan is being led by guest director Amy Lane. Lane says she's bringing a very traditional story to the stage, deeply inspired by Victorian-era fairy tale books.
"This is truly the fairy tale version of Peter Pan," she says. "I almost imagine the design as a sort of pop-up book that the audience is invited into."
Peter Pan begins in the Darlings' nursery, which will be filled with beautiful Edwardian designs. As the children fly away to Neverland, the scene unfolds into an almost Technicolor world, with scenic designs by Tim McMath. "We have imagined that in Neverland it is every season all the time, giving us a full range of vibrant color to work with," says Lane. In a twist from the traditional casting of an adult female, the role of Peter Pan is played by 14-year-old Danny Deneberg, who was last seen on The Rose stage in the lead role of Ralphie in A Christmas Story. Ablan Roblin adds some humor and flair as the villianous Captain Hook.
"Although Hook is definitely a villain, we are looking at his character through a hilarious and fun lens," says Gutschick.
Unique lighting techniques used by lighting designer Craig S. Moxon to bring the fairy Tinkerbell to life. He used modern animated LED lights that will allow Tinkerbell to sparkle as she flits across the stage.
"Traditionally Tinkerbell is done with a simple follow spot that darts across the stage, but I wanted to give her a bit more life," says Moxon.
Considered a musical masterwork, Peter Pan features orchestrations from the Broadway show, including the favorites - "Never Never Land," "I Won't Grow Up" and "I'm Flying."
"This is a classic story that enchants everyone," says Gutschick. "It looks at that position we all face where we are looking at the world on the precipice of adulthood. In the end, we learn that we don't have to leave the best of childhood behind."
Peter Pan runs June 2-18, 2017, with performances on Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. The June 10 show will be interpreted for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; this show will also include audio description services for audience members who are blind. Contact The Rose Box Office at (402) 345-4849 for more information.
