MOUNT CARROLL, IL - The timeless Broadway musical Peter Pan flies on to the stage at Timber Lake Playhouse for the first time ever this week. Opening Thursday, July 2nd and running through Sunday, July 12th, the musical stars Rosie Upton as Peter, Cody Jolly as Captain Hook, and it is directed by Zachary L. Gray.
Peter Pan is the musical version of the beloved J. M. Barrie play about the boy who wouldn't grow up that premiered in 1904 and has since become one of the most famous stories and characters in literature, theatre and film. The musical features songs like "Never-Neverland," "I'm Flying," "I Gotta Crow," "I Won't Grow Up" and more written by Carolyn Leigh, "Moose" Charlap, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and Jule Styne. Mary Martin made the songs famous.
After convincing Wendy Darling to fly to Neverland with her brothers to take on the role of mother to the lost boys, Peter leads them on series of adventures. First the boys have to make peace with Tiger Lily and the Indians, and then defend Neverland from Captain Hook and his band of incapable pirates when they try to steal Wendy to be their own mother. Ultimately, Wendy and the boys must decide to stay with Peter and stay young forever or return home, where they are certain to eventually grow up.
"Our director and our designers have put together a beautiful production. This show is beloved by generations, but I had forgotten how funny the thing actually is," Artistic Director James Beaudry said. "It's one of the actual funniest musical comedies ever written, and with actors like Rosie and Cody, we're constantly in stitches."
"We audition over 1,200 people all over the country, and Rosie and Cody were the only people we saw that we knew could do Peter and Hook the way they're meant to be done. Our audiences are going to adore them," Beaudry continued.
The rest of the cast includes resident performers Holly Moss as Wendy, Tia Pinson as Tiger Lily, Amelia Jo Parish as Smee, and Paige ManWaring as Mrs. Darling. The ensemble includes resident company members and children from around the region.
A full-length show that is appropriate for all ages, Peter Pan performs: Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 3 at 2:00 p.m.; Sunday, July 5 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, July 7 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $17 for children, students and active duty military personnel, $22 for seniors and $25 for adults. Groups of 10 or more can get $20 tickets. For reservations, call the box office at 815-244-2035 or visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. TLP is located at 8215 Black Oak Road in rural Mount Carroll, Illinois.
The TLP production of Peter Pan features flying by Hall Associates Flying Effects. This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
