Nashville Ballet's PETER PAN Set for This Weekend

Nashville Ballet is kicking off its 30th anniversary season with a trip back to Neverland this weekend, September 18-20, 2015, at TPAC's Jackson Hall. This family-friendly production tells the classic story of a boy who doesn't want to grow up-complete with storybook sets, enchanting costumes and on-stage flying.

This fall Nashville Ballet will open its season one month earlier than prior years, beginning a new tradition with its expanded performance season. After a wildly successful world premiere in 2013, Nashville Ballet revisits the overarching theme of nostalgia for youth by following Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell and friends to the magical world of Neverland in this childhood classic.

"Peter Pan is such a fantastically nostalgic, sometimes sentimental, piece," Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling said. "You spend your childhood longing to grow up, and once you do, you would give almost anything to go back. This piece is about allowing yourself to get in touch with your inner child and remembering what it was like to have that innocence and simplicity of youth."

Vasterling created an original score by combining a variety of classical pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The score draws heavily from late 19th century French composers and will be performed live by the Nashville Symphony. Vasterling also created original choreography, which includes on-stage flight.

"Seeing the dancers come alive as they're defying gravity and using flight as an extension to their dancing is quite magical," Vasterling said.

Louisville-based company ZFX Flying Effects traveled to Nashville Ballet to set up shop on-site and train dancers how to fly safely on stage. Not only do Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell and other characters fly, but the ropes are operated by Nashville Ballet dancers as well.

Peter Pan features original sets and costumes by Campbell Baird, whose grand-scale, old-fashioned designs bring J.M. Barrie's timeless tale to life. The production will also feature more than 40 youth cast members from School of Nashville Ballet as fairies, sprites and mermaids.

Peter Pan is presented by Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund and Nfocus. Tickets start at $28 and can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or at www.nashvilleballet.com. A complete performance schedule and more information can be found here.

Photo by David Bailey