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AIM Peter Pan Actors Fly For First Time

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By SUZANNE M SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: November 5, 2008

When most people think of Peter Pan, the image of the young boy who will never grow up flying through the air is brought to mind. Soon, Arts In Motion, a Pasco county community youth theater group, will bring that magical scene to life.

Instead of just having the actors and actresses look like they are flying, as the organization has done in the past, this production will be different thanks to all the hard work of volunteers. The organization has enlisted the help of Flying by Foy, the same company that worked on the original Broadway show.
Terry Smith of Dade City, a volunteer with the organization, made it her personal goal to make sure the actors would get the chance to soar.

"When I first volunteered, I knew I wanted to work on the sets," Smith said. "Then I decided I would do research to see what would be needed to make them fly. We had to work hard to raise the money but I think it will make a world of difference having the kids fly."

Roger Scruggs of Land O' Lakes said he would only sign up to be the director of the play if the actors and actresses were going to fly.

"It makes it more magical," Scruggs said. "There is a whole song called "I Am Flying" and it really makes the show. I have done it before where we have them stand on stage and try to make it look like they are flying but it doesn't have the same effect. It will add a huge dimension to the show and it will help it to be something everyone will definitely remember."

The part of Captain Hook will be played by Wesley Chapel High School senior Lauren Bates, 17, of Dade City. She said she is nervous and excited about playing the villain.

"I am going to play him a little flamboyant because it is a musical, but I still want to play him evil because he is bad," Bates said. "I think it is a lot more fun to play the villain than the hero because you get to be evil."

The part of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, will be played by Shelby Martin, 13, of Dade City.

"I like acting because I get to be someone who I am really not," Martin said. "I like Peter Pan because nothing bothers him and he is always happy. I am so excited I get to fly. I also love all the singing, acting and dancing."

Dale Armstrong, 11, of Wesley Chapel will play the part of John Darling. He said he is excited he will be one of the actors who will be flying.

"I am excited I will get to be on stage most of the time and that I will get to fly," Armstrong said. "It is nothing like anything else."

The performance will be Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., Nov. 8 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for children. For more information or to buy tickets, visit artsinmotionpasco.org.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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