BWW Interviews: Pleasure Guild's PETER PAN - A Delight for Children and Anyone Who 'Won't Grow Up'

Central Ohio's Pleasure Guild will present its 56^th annual musical production, "Peter Pan" at The Palace Theater this weekend, March 8-10^th. A benefit for Nationwide Children's Hospital's pediatric hospice and palliative care program, the proceeds from the show (last year totaling almost a half-million dollars!) are directly donated, as well as the cast and crew's generous donations of their time. Amanda Cawthorne, who plays Tiger Lily, commented, "I auditioned partly because I loved this show as a kid, but especially because this show goes to such a great cause, such a great organization, and it's so nice when you can blend your love of the theater with a really fantastic cause."

Don't let the fact that this is a fundraiser-based production fool you. The set pieces are original to the Broadway-version of the production, and the costumes and make-up are of the same level you would expect from any other Palace Theater production. The cast is incredibly talented as well, consisting of approximately 50 members, representing much of the best and brightest in Central Ohio, and largely comprised of performers under the age of 18.

Among those is the actress who plays Peter Pan, Columbus Academy sophomore, Emily Cipriani, a teenager with a rock-star caliber resume at the ripe old age of 15. She has a stage presence that will delight audience members of all sizes. Cipriani was virtually bursting with excitement backstage at last night's final dress rehearsal, "It's a fun, fun show! I can't wait to hear the kids laughing. It's so much fun to perform every night. And the greatest part is that it's a show that everyone can relate to- little boys, little girls, they will all enjoy it."

Though "Peter Pan" is a classic tale, the message of the show is ageless. Both children and adults alike will be captivated by the magic of Neverland, delight in the mysterious Tinkerbelle, and be thrilled by the spirit of adventure that the show cultivates. Children will be shocked to see their favorite characters - Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee, Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, the Pirate Gang, Nana the pet dog and of course, Captain's Hook's enemy, the crocodile- all brought to life before their eyes. In fact, when asked her favorite part of the show, Cipriani humbly proclaims, "I like the pirates best. I think that they are really entertaining! "

As if that all weren't magic enough, it wouldn't be "Peter Pan" without a bit of pixie dust, complete with scenes done in flight. "That's definitely one from my bucket list, " Cipriani laughed, fully grasping how amazing it is to be able to fly on stage. One of the youngest cast members, 9 year Collin Grubbs, who plays Michael Darling in show, chimed in with his agreement, "I think that the pirates are like the funniest people on earth, but the coolest part about it is definitely the flying!"

This is the perfect first-trip to the theater for the younger crowd, a show that will delight the adults as well, and most importantly, an opportunity to support such a valuable cause. Grab your little folks by the hand, and teach them not only a lesson about the thrill of imagination and great theater, but how good it feels to give back.

Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children's Hospital presents, "Peter Pan" at The Palace Theater, Friday, March 8^th at 7pm, Saturday, March 9^th at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, March, 10^th at 2pm. Tickets can be obtained at: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05004969E97AC373

PHOTO CREDIT: Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children's Hospital