Youth theatre is back at Royal City Musical Productions Inc. (RCMPI) with a magical trip to Neverland, a place where you never grow old.
JM Barrie’s timeless adventure tale of the boy who refuses to grow up is reborn as a magical musical at Guelph Little Theatre from Feb. 29 to March 3.
Bringing together 29 talented youth, Peter Pan Jr. is RCMPI's first ‘junior’ show since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As our first junior show since the pandemic, we are very excited,” said Peter Pan Jr. director and choreographer Milwaukee Baker.
“We really love children, and we have a passion for what they bring to society and the world. That’s why we chose Peter Pan. It really came down to childhood, and with Peter Pan, it's all about celebrating 'children being children'.”
Both Baker and Peter Pan Jr. musical director Ana Maria Rajcan have been part of Royal City Musical Productions Inc. for many years.
“We both come from an arts education background, teaching dance and music,” Baker said.
“When we heard that the youth show was coming back, we thought this would be a great opportunity to not only be part of our company, but also to inspire children.”
Featuring lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and music by Morris "Moose" Charlap and Jule Styne, audiences are invited to join Peter and the Darling family as they are swept away to another land full of colourful characters including Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys and the menacing Captain Hook.
Junior shows are made up entirely of local youth, from ages eight to 15, offering an accessible opportunity to experience the joy of participating in a musical theatre show.
Sam Sahadeo, 13, plays the part of Captain Hook.
“This is my seventh production. I really like the junior shows because we are around the same age. Everyone just gets closer and we bond together,” Sahadeo said.
“I love this part because Captain Hook is a mix of brave and coward. I just think it's fun to try and find all of those parts and to know where to be brave, angry or a total coward.”
Musical director Ana Maria Rajcan said the production provides an outlet for self expression for local youth.
“I think it’s very valuable for them to be plugged-in, especially after the pandemic,” Rajcan said.
“They are able to express themselves and be a part of something.”
The part of Peter Pan is played by 12-year-old Quinne Stoltz, from Guelph.
The Resurrection Christian Academy student is grateful for all of the encouragement she has received.
“I love being a part of this production because everyone is so supportive. You can just be yourself,” Stoltz said.
“This part really suits me because I’m fun and goofy too. It’s all about finding your inner child.”
A volunteer organization founded in 1978, RCMPI offers entertainment through the presentation of Broadway style musicals and provides a forum through which amateur actors, singers, dancers and technicians can express themselves through participation in a community theatre company.
For tickets and more information, visit here
