West Fallowfield Christian School (WFCS) will present "Peter Pan Jr." as its annual spring musical, and the community is invited to attend. The show will be staged on Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 15, at 3 p.m. This year, there are 26 WFCS students involved in the production from grades five to 10.

The play is chosen each year by a musical committee. This year's committee includes director Renee Marshall, a parent volunteer, and principal Heather Furlong, along with Maddie Dowdall, Alicia Murphy, Mary Smith-Rogers and Angie Williams.

"We thought ( 'Peter Pan Jr.') would fit the students really well," said Marshall. "Last year we did 'Newsies Jr.,' which was more serious, and we wanted to do something more lighthearted and magical."

Auditions were held last November, and rehearsals began later that month. "(Rehearsals) were once a week, and now that basketball season (has ended), we rehearse three or four times a week," Marshall noted.

The play tells the story of Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, who visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey. During their adventure, the travelers come face to face with various characters, including a band of bungling pirates led by Captain Hook. "(They are) open to adventure, but at the end they come home and find a place in their family again," said Marshall.

The cast has been busy learning the choreography, which Marshall describes as both fun and challenging. "Our kindergarten teacher does the choreography, even though it is middle school, and they embrace it and try hard," Marshall said. "We made (dance) videos for them to practice with at home. They are singing the songs constantly, and the junior shows are nice because they make it manageable for learning the lines. They are doing well."

The musical features songs such as "I'm Flying" and "Never, Never Land," but there will be no flying on stage. "We have it staged to simulate (flying)," Marshall noted.

She pointed out that although most people in the audience are family members and friends of WFCS, she encourages the community to attend. "We're hoping people feel free to come. It also gets some exposure for the school as well," said Marshall, emphasizing that admission to the show is free. "We want to make it accessible for families."

In addition to the ensemble, cast members include Alexis Martin as Peter Pan, Isaac McAdams as Captain Hook, Lydia Marshall as Wendy, Bryson McCluskey as John, Logan Rogers as Michael, Max Herman as Smee and Hope Hawkins as Tiger Lily.

In addition to Marshall, members of the production crew include music director Tonya Stoltzfus, WFCS music teacher; choreographer Caitlin Cellini, WFCS kindergarten teacher; stage manager Sara Herman, WFCS science teacher; production assistant Violet Beattie, WFCS third-grade teacher; and assistant director Karis Marshall, WFCS alumna.

West Fallowfield Christian School is located at 795 Fallowfield Road, Atglen. Tickets to "Peter Pan Jr." are free of charge, but limited, and donations will be accepted. To reserve tickets, visit https://wfcs.kindful.com/e/peterpantickets. A link to reserve tickets is also available at http://www.facebook.com/westfallowfieldchristianschool.

Those with questions may call 610-593-5011 or email office@wfcs.org.