Wright State Theatre to soar with ‘Peter Pan’

Wright State Theatre continues its 40th season in the Festival Playhouse with the musical “Peter Pan” March 19-22 and again from April 2-12.

Wright State University Theatre’s production of the musical “Peter Pan” will explode off the Festival Playhouse stage when it opens March 19.

“This production is full of comedy, exceptional dance and music and will be a visual feast,” said the musical’s director, Joe Deer, distinguished professor of musical theatre and director of the Musical Theatre Initiative at Wright State.

“Audiences will get to experience a very traditional musical comedy in a bright, touching and fresh way with lots of fun and surprises,” he said.

He described “Peter Pan” as a magical story that will appeal to both adults and children.

Performances are March 19, April 2, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m.; March 20, 21, April 23, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m.; and March 22, April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 students and seniors.

For tickets and theatre information call the Box Office at (937) 775-2500 or purchase tickets online.

Bruce Cromer as Captain Hook

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Broadway production of “Peter Pan.” The well-known musical is based on J. M. Barrie’s 1904 play, with music by Mark Charlap, with additional music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

“Peter Pan” features the familiar songs “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” “Tender Shepherd” and “Never Never Land,” and an exciting book full of thrills and adventure.

Bruce Cromer, professor and head of acting at Wright State, plays Captain Hook and is joined by what Deer called “one of the strongest student casts we’ve presented.”

Broadway choreographer Greg Graham visited Wright State to provide guest choreography on the production. Graham has created “exciting, playful and wildly athletic dances that could easily be on a national stage,” Deer said.

“Peter Pan” is musical directed by Scot Woolley (“Les Miserables,” “The Hot Mikado”). The set is designed by Pam Knauert Lavarnway (“Les Miserables,” “The Hot Mikado”), lighting by Sammy Jelinek (“The Magic Fire,” “Fences”), costumes by Jeremy W. Floys (“The Hot Mikado”), properties by John Lavarnway and sound by Mason Wisecup (“The Magic Fire”).

It features flying by ZFX, the renowned international and Broadway firm that flew the chandelier in Wright State Theatre’s acclaimed production of “Phantom of the Opera” in 2012.

In addition to Cromer, “Peter Pan” features Alyson Snyder (Peter Pan), Bailey Rose (Wendy Darling), Nicholas McQuillen (John Darling), Sam McLain (Michael Darling), Katie Post (Mrs. Darling), Madeline Sensenstiein (Liza), Tyler Simms (Smee), Alex Caldwell (Tiger Lily), Lauren Everett (Jane Darling) and Eli Davis (Nana); Lost Boys: Danielle Bessler, Drew Bowen, Paige Dobkins, Kate Mueller, Layan Elwazani and Brynnan McNeill; Pirates: Haylee Dobkins, Emsie Hapner, Cody Lewis, Wahuria Nyambura, Tyrell Reggins, Kyle Sell and Ben Tracy; Indians: Caroline Chisholm, Eli Davis, King Jones, Dakota Mullins, Phillip Stock, Hannah Struppa, Megan Valle, Meradith Zahn and swing Madeline Sensenstien.