Peter Pan Jr comes to life

Children and parents were dazzled by the singing, dancing and acting talent displayed by their children and their peers on the opening night of Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.

The production kicked off without a hitch on the first performance night of the season and even all the children in the audience donned their very best fairytale outfits as they watched their peers perform alongside some of the finest actors in the theatre industry.

The story about a boy and all his friends who never want to grow up, and take on the evil Captain Hook and his cronies, were perfect to get all the aspiring child actors in the city to show what they’ve got on stage.

The talented children making up the cast and playing the various groups of lost boys in Neverland were sourced from schools in Dainfern, Houghton and home schooling programmes, and came to be part of the show when the Peoples Theatre called for open auditions; directing the invitation to children at schools in Gauteng. That’s one way to open up the industry to those hoping to one day become part of it.

The production is true to the original story of Peter Pan, which came as a challenge to perform on the small stage as so many scenes required advanced theatre equipment. What makes this one different from any other production is the amazing pre-recorded video depicting the cast flying to Neverland and other scenes that couldn’t be performed live.

Grant Knottenbelt, in charge of lighting design and graphics, put this video together to create the splendid show that was enjoyed by all.

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr will run at the Peoples Theatre in Braamfontein until 31 July, so make sure not to miss out on the perfect showcase of Gauteng’s young entertainers of the future.

Details: 011 403 1563/2340; www.peoplestheatre.co.za; www.joburgtheatre.com; www.webtickets.co.za