PETER PAN Runs 3/8-23 at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre

Fly along to the enchanted world of Neverland when The Yardley Players present "Peter Pan, the Musical" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. Dates and show times for this magical adventure are: Saturdays, March 8, 15 and 22 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Fridays, March 14 and 21 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, March 9, 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. (Note three weekends and shows on Saturday afternoons.) Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on March 8.

Based on the classic book by J.M. Barrie, and famously adapted in stage, film and television productions, "Peter Pan" tells the tale of the fearless, mischievous boy who refuses to grow up. We first meet Peter as he searches for his shadow in the London nursery of Wendy, John and Michael Darling. Before long they are all off to Neverland, where the children become immersed in Peter's world of Lost Boys, Indians, fairies, and a colorful crew of pirates led by the evil Captain Hook. With no grown-up rules, it's all quite exhilarating until homesickness overtakes the Darlings and they decide to return home - but not before an Indian maiden is rescued, Peter and Hook fight a thrilling duel, and Hook is undone by a crocodile.

Liz Rzasa, of Lawrenceville, stars as Peter Pan and James Zimmerman, of Hamilton, plays the dual role of Mr. Darling and Captain Hook. Featured as the Darling children are Patricia Curley, of Ambler, Pa., as Wendy; Jack Lynch, of Princeton, as John; and Hudson Orfe, of Titusville, as Michael. Stacey Danka, of Allentown, plays Mrs. Darling, and Gina Migliaccio, of Hamilton, plays Hook's sidekick, Smee. Kimmy Graham of Yardley, Pa., plays Liza, the Darling's house maid; Alexys Pulsinelli of Bordentown is Wendy's future daughter, Jane; and Mike Diiorio, of Hamilton, is featured as Nana and the Crocodile.

The Indians are led by Taylor Lloyd, of Hamilton, as Tiger Lily. Other Indians are Amanda Bank of Princeton, Katelyn Dunkel of Hamilton, Jordan Hayes of Langhorne, Pa., Courtney Kosman of East Windsor, Marina McLaughlin of Columbus, Julia Patella of Cranbury, and Samantha Phillips of Hamilton. Caroline Purdy of Cranbury is featured as an ostrich and Jeanette Smith of West Windsor is a kangaroo.

Featured as Lost Boys are Emma Behrens of East Windsor, Teddy Brendel of Cranbury, Sabrina Chevlin of Princeton Junction, Harrison Cohen of West Windsor, Colton Jiorle of Fairless Hills, Pa., Makenna Katz of West Windsor, Fiona Misiura of Hightstown, Alexis Plexico of Levittown, Pa., Christina Pullen of New Egypt, Nicky Torchia of Langhorne, Pa., Mya Rose Tozzi of Columbus, and Ari Weiss of Yardley, Pa.

The band of pirates include Quinton Darling of Morrisville, Pa., Jonathan Logan of West Windsor, Connor McDowell of Yardley, Pa., Ron Sangiovanni of Burlington, Ryan Strack of Burlington, Edward Szemis of West Windsor, Stephen Szemis of West Windsor, and Wayne Wood of Fairless Hills, Pa.

The show is produced by Marian Wright and directed by Amy Zalot, with musical direction by Matt South, choreography by Laura Ghaffoor Murey, stage management by Chris Szemis, costume design by Louisa Murey, set design and sound by Mike Almstedt, and lighting design by M. Kitty Getlik.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students and children. Tickets are available online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater.

Photo by John Blazejewski