Peter Pan will fly again.
The beloved fairy tale is coming to life thanks to director George Pothitos and the Neptune Theatre. Peter Pan, the play, takes to the stage from Friday through May 30 and will end a Neptune season Pothitos has referred to as one based on hope.
Pothitos, in his second year as artistic director at Neptune, said he’s been planning to put this large production on the Neptune stage for over a year and a half.
“It was extremely hard but very joyous because there are a lot of elements to put together because it’s a musical,” Pothitos said about getting this sure-fire box-office hit off the ground. “It was daunting but we started early with the visions and designs.”
When it comes to the play Peter Pan, Pothitos has a message for people going to the show. He wants the audience to forget about any daily worries and get lost in the fantasy musical journey the production provides.
“We all need to tap into our childhood memories, just to connect us with our past and the joyous memories,” he said.
“Not to take us back and forget where we are, but just to remind us of our childhood and how we were and how we are now.”
Stephen Roberts grew up watching Disney’s Peter Pan but never thought he’d be starring as the titled character of the play at 25.
“It’s amazing … The actual role itself is so involved that makes it crazy fun in itself,” Roberts said after yesterday’s media launch. “There is so much to it that makes it such a challenge, which is awesome.”
Roberts is a graduate of the three-year theatre diploma program at Sheridan College in Ontario. He has also been gymnastically trained, which helps make Peter Pan truly come to life as Roberts does many acrobatic moves on stage.
“It keeps you in touch with your imagination,” he said. “It will touch on people’s childhood — what they have lost or what they have kept or how they can keep it alive.”
Starts Friday
Peter Pan premieres Friday and runs through May 30 at Neptune Theatre’s Fountain Hall. For tickets, visit www.neptunetheatre.com.
