By Sage Merritt

Published: May 6, 2008

Since Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie wrote the original play in 1904, the story of Peter Pan has been a beloved tale of adventure and imagination for all ages.
“There’s just something that’s really wholesome and pure about it,” said Jami Lea Cook, director of the Waynesboro Players’ musical production of “Peter Pan,” opening Thursday in Waynesboro High School’s Spilman Auditorium. “I don’t care how old you are, there needs to be a certain amount of that mystical, that whimsy, that playfulness that you need to keep throughout your life, and this show embodies all of that, and I think people will love it for all those reasons.”
“Peter Pan” takes the audience on the journey of the Darling children as they travel to Neverland with Peter Pan, where they experience adventure with Peter and the Lost Boys, encountering pirates, fairies and other magical creatures.
“It’s really a treat to be able to provide that experience for people,” Cook said.
The show stars Emily Romig as Peter Pan, Madison Pringer as Wendy, Aaron Crosby as John, Victoria Dell as Michael, Chris Ruble as Captain Hook and Anna Brule as Tinker Bell.
“We do have a live Tinker Bell, instead of a light,” Cook said. “She’s delightful to watch. I’ve got some really phenomenal kids in this play — they’ve worked very hard and done fabulous, wonderful things.”
The cast of 33 is mainly composed of children and teenagers. It’s a big cast, Cook said, and the production team is big as well. The crew built five different sets and created costumes for all the characters, as well as lights and effects.
“There’s all these lights and fog,” said Charlie Lawson, the show’s producer. “We have an incredible crew to work backstage.”
The show will start at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and $8 for students (high school age or under). Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.WaynesboroPlayers.com, at the door or at the following locations: Waynesboro Public Library, Waynesboro Florist, Waynesboro Garden Center and Quality Cleaners in Waynesboro; Augusta Insurance Agency in Fishersville; Village Green Florist in Stuarts Draft; Granny’s Attic in Verona; and the Bookstack and Shenandoah Travel Agency in Staunton.