Arden Children's Theatre Presents PETER PAN, Previews Tonight 12/2

Arden Theatre Company's 2009/10 children's theatre series begins with an all-new adaptation of Peter Pan. Ever since J.M. Barrie's story first appeared in 1904, countless versions have been produced on stage and in film. Now, Arden Children's Theatre presents a brand-new adaptation; one that celebrates the wonder of storytelling and the power of make-believe. Recommended for families with children ages five and older, every performance includes a post-show question and answer session with the cast, an opportunity to meet the cast in the lobby after the performance, and a free commemorative show poster for all kids. This production is sponsored by PECO.

A versatile ensemble cast invites audiences to join Wendy and Michael Darling as eternally young Peter Pan whisks them off to Neverland, an exhilarating island of swordplay, swashbuckling and the fearsome Captain Hook. With wild imagination, puppets, an original musical score, and plenty of stage magic, highly energetic characters inhabit this fantasy world where there are no parents, no homework, and you're always one step away from a lurking, ticking crocodile.

"Peter Pan has been enchanting readers for over a century. We look forward to bringing this beloved story to life with the vitality, imagination and heart that has been the hallmark of our best Arden Children's Theatre productions," said Arden's Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen.

Arden Children's Theatre offers affordable ticket prices and the same high quality production values as the company's mainstage shows. Peter Pan is directed by David O'Connor who recently helmed The Seafarer at the Arden. The Peter Pan cast includes two actors who appeared in the Arden's critically-acclaimed production of The History Boys earlier this season: Chris Bresky in the title role and local favorite Frank X as Captain Hook. The cast also includes Philadelphia performers Bi Jean Ngo, Jacqueline Real, David Sweeney and Pig Iron Theatre Company member Sarah Sanford. The design team includes costume designer Richard St. Clair (Barrymore Award winner for Arden's Children Theatre productions Sleeping Beauty and The Dinosaur Musical), set designer Tom Gleeson, sound designer Daniel Kluger (Pig Iron's Welcome to Yuba City), and lighting designer Matt Frey.

J.M. Barrie (1860-1937) was a Scottish playwright and novelist. Peter Pan's adventure first appeared in the 1904 stage play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, which was later expanded and adapted into the novel Peter and Wendy in 1911. Since that time, Peter Pan has appeared in numerous literary, stage and film adaptations. Douglas Irvine's recent adaptation premiered in 2008 in a co-production between The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis and Irvine's company Visible Fictions from Scotland.

Peter Pan performances begin on Wednesday, December 2. Preview performances run December 2, 3, 4, and 5. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, December 5. A full performance calendar is available online at http://www.ardentheatre.org/calendar/

Single ticket prices are $16-$32, with discounts for kids, teens and seniors. Groups of 20+ enjoy significant discounts; please inquire about group rates. Subscriptions are available for Arden Children's Theatre, which includes tickets to both Peter Pan and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, for $26-$50. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, order online at www.ardentheatre.org, or visit the box office.

The Arden is proud to announce the Target 2 for 1 Family Series, a ticket discount program generously sponsored by Target. This program offers two tickets for the price of one during selected performances of Peter Pan. Please refer to the show calendars at www.ardentheatre.org for the designated performances. There is a limit of four discounted orders (8 tickets) per transaction, available while supplies last.

Families are also invited to attend the Peter Pan Family Salon on Saturday, January 16 at 2pm, an exclusive backstage event where adults and children learn about all the behind the scenes magic of how Arden shows are produced. Go on an all access tour of the Arden, explore the set, meet your favorite actors, and learn how we create special effects. This family fun filled day is best enjoyed after seeing the production. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 per family and can be purchased by calling the box office at 215.922.1122

To further enhance the performance experience, kids ages 7 and older are invited to join the Family Usher Network (FUN) with their adult chaperones. FUN gives kids a behind-the-scenes peek at how plays are created, instills the value of community involvement and teaches valuable social skills. FUN ushers receive an exclusive backstage tour, hand out programs, tear tickets, seat patrons and help straighten up the theatre after the show. For information call the box office at 215.922.1122.

The Arden is fully wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices and large-print programs at every performance. Reservations are required for accessible seating and may be made by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122. An ASL performance is scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 12pm.

Arden Theatre Company also offers Arden Drama School, a wide array of classes and day camps for elementary through high school aged children, including a special Peter Pan acting class on December 28 for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Details can be found on the company's kid-friendly website: www.ardentheatre.org/ardendramaschool

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