The Peru Gazette

“Peter Pan,” the enchanting story of a boy who doesn’t want to grow up, soars into Peru on February 26 in a dazzling production by the Adirondack Regional Theatre (ART). Performances begin at 7:30 pm on February 26, 27, 28 and will continue with a 2 pm matinee on March 1 at the Peru Music Theatre. Peru Music Theatre is located at Peru Central School 17 School St, Peru. Tickets are available in advance for $8 at Peru Health Mart, Chase Convenient Stores in Peru and Cumberland Corners and Community Bank locations on Margaret St and Route 3 in Plattsburgh. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $10.

Appearing as Peter Pan is Julia Ruff of Peru. In “Peter Pan,” she not only sings such memorable songs, as “I Won’t Grow Up,” ”I Gotta Crow” and “Neverland, “ but also flies. Special rigging equipment will enable her to soar above the stage. Four other characters also will fly to Neverland. The special effects rigging operator is Flying By Foy, the world renown aerographic company. Flying by Foy has flown every Broadway Peter Pan since Mary Martin.

Benjamin Pomerance, a veteran stage performer and Plattsburgh State student, will play Captain Hook, a role that earned Cyril Ritchard a Tony Award after the show opened on Broadway in 1954. Peru resident Kayla Smith, who played Lady Larkin in ART’s “Once Upon A Mattress” this past summer, will appear as Wendy.

Joining the performers in featured roles is a cast of 45 and a 20-piece orchestra directed by Todd Pray, with vocal direction by Pam Lavin. Choreography is by Julie Burdo. Tom Lavin, the founder of Adirondack Regional Theatre, is the show’s producer and director. This summer Tom will also produce and direct “Once On This Island” and “Little Shop Of Horrors”.

“Peter Pan” is based on J.M. Barrie’s tale about a boy who doesn’t want to grow up and spends his life in Neverland battling the pirates and Indians. Music is by Mark Charlap and Julie Styne, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green.