“Peter Pan” features youth, adult actors from the community

North Central College’s Summer Musical Theatre presents the time-honored, family-friendly musical “Peter Pan” July 26-28 and Aug. 2-4.

Six performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. July 26-27 and Aug. 2-3 and at 2 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 4 in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students and senior citizens; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

The cast of “Peter Pan” features dozens of youth and adult residents from the community, including North Central students as pirates. Brian Lynch, North Central’s fine arts director and veteran of Broadway touring productions, is the show’s director and choreographer. Ali Kordelewski, a 2012 North Central graduate with degrees in choral and instrumental music education, gives musical direction.

Based on the play by J. M. Barrie, “Peter Pan” is a popular children’s story about a young boy who doesn’t want to grow up. The musical and its magic come to life as Wendy, John and Michael Darling fly off to Neverland with Peter Pan for adventures that include pirates, Indians, magic and a fairy named Tinker Bell. The story has dazzled millions of children for years and will continue to be a classic for all who enjoy a bit of magic.

“‘Peter Pan’ is possibly the most fun I’ve ever had directing a show,” says Lynch. “The cast is so talented, the music is wonderful, the story is timeless. It is fun, it is silly, it is exciting, and it can touch your heart before you know it. And to top it all off, we fly in Pfeiffer Hall! What a great way to spend a summer.”

The cast of principal roles for “Peter Pan” includes (part: name, hometown):

Wendy: Kate Williams of Naperville, Julia Roskopf of Naperville
John: Justin Vasko of Woodridge
Liza: Katie Paulsen of Wheaton
Michael: Shane Frantz of Bolingbrook
Nana/Indian: Avery Sipla of Naperville, a 1999 graduate of North Central College
Mrs. Darling/Wendy Grown Up: Jen Prerost of Naperville
Mr. Darling/Captain Hook: Ken Kaden of Naperville
Jane: Emma Lee of Bolingbrook
Peter Pan: Alaina Wis of Naperville, Victoria Newhuis of Naperville
Tiger Lily: Sara Zgonina and Amanda Zgonina of Elmhurst
Crocodile/Pirate: Eric Kopicki of Burr Ridge
Lion/Indian: Amanda Peck of Woodridge, a North Central College junior
Kangaroo/Indian: Elena Ruzzo of Naperville
Ostrich/Indian: Gina Vekkos of Woodridge
Slightly: Justin Smusz of Bolingbrook
Tootles: Justin Lee of Bolingbrook
Curly: Andrew Peck of Naperville
Nibs: C.D. Menard of Glen Ellyn
1st Twin: Jake Clements of Naperville
2nd Twin: Blake Barnickel of Plainfield
 
“Peter Pan,” the third and final summer production of 2013, is one of many ongoing programs hosted at North Central College to enrich and broaden the academic and cultural outlook for the College and community. For a comprehensive schedule of North Central’s 2013-2014 Fine & Performing Arts Season, art exhibits and other musical and theatrical productions, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).