“Peter Pan” is flying onto the Axelrod Performing Arts Center stage from Dec. 8-16. Axelrod’s award-winning Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts program presents one of Broadway’s timeless classics in a fully staged production directed by Lisa Goldfarb with musical direction by Randy Hurst and choreography by Wendy Roman.
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is at 100 Grant Ave., in the Deal Park section of Ocean Township.
Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale with beloved characters Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, “Peter Pan” features an unforgettable score by “Moose” Charlap and Jule Styne, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green that includes such iconic songs as “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land,” according to a press release.
Led by Perry Award-winning actor Michael Patierno, in the dual role of Captain Hook and Mr. Darling, and popular regional theater actress Gabrielle Trumbull, the cast features 36 young actors from Monmouth and Ocean counties ranging in age from 8 to 19 years old, according to the press release.
“The cast and I are excited to welcome two polished, professional, adult actors to join this Rising Stars production of ‘Peter Pan.’ They are not only raising the caliber of our production, but also mentoring our young performers and setting great professional examples,” Goldfarb said.
“Our Rising Stars performers, in fact, received rave reviews at ‘The Night of Future Broadway Stars,’ which was a benefit for Covenant House. Numerous Broadway luminaries who attended the event noted the incredible caliber of our performance,” she said.
Flying sequences will be handled by “Flying by Foy,” which provides flying effects, Aereography and state-of-the-art automation for Broadway shows, London’s West End, professional and not-for-profit theatres, feature films and television productions worldwide, according to the press release.
The role of Peter Pan will be shared by Claudia Tawil and Victoria Bahary, both of Ocean Township. Other cast members include Mara Campolatarro (Rumson) and Jordan Zelen (Tinton Falls) sharing the role of Wendy Darling; Christopher Abt (Howell) as John Darling; Sophia Bahary (Ocean Township) as Michael Darling; Natalie Rosati (Atlantic Highlands) as Tiger Lily, and Courtney Mormino and Lily Schechter (both Manalapan) sharing the role of Jane Darling.
The production features set design by Fred Sorrentino, lighting by Jim Lyle, costumes by Joanne DeLuca and Donna Silogy-Gigante of Playtime Costumes, and props by Sue Bloir.
Show dates are Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and seniors, and $22 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.axelrodartscenter.com/shows. The performing arts center is fully accessible and offers free on-site parking.
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center’s Rising Stars Youth Performing Arts Program is a musical theater program open to young people between the ages of 8 and 19 from Monmouth and Ocean counties, according to the press release.
The program teaches the basic fundamentals of musical theater including singing, acting, dancing and staging. The program produces two publicly presented musicals per year; one in winter and one in spring, overseen by the Axelrod’s professional theater staff. For more information, visit www.axelrodartscenter.com