Marlboro Players to tell adventures of ‘Peter Pan’

BY BETH ANN SCIALABBA
Correspondent

MARLBORO — The stage at the Marlboro Middle School will come alive with the fantasy “Peter Pan” when the Marlboro Players present the children’s classic by J.M. Barrie.

Performances of “Peter Pan” are scheduled for Jan. 21 and 28 at 8 p.m., Jan. 22 at 8 p.m., Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. and Jan. 23 and 30 at 1 p.m. at the Marlboro Middle School, Route 520 (between Wyncrest and Gordons Corner roads). All seats are reserved.

Advance tickets are available at Cards for Less in the Marlboro Plaza shopping center, Route 9 north. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for students and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door will be $18 and $16. For more information call (732) 972-7217.

“Peter Pan” takes place in an Edwardian London house where Wendy Darling mesmerizes her brothers every night with bedtime stories of swordplay and adventure. One night Peter Pan pays the Darling children a surprise visit from Neverland. This is where their exciting adventure begins.

The Marlboro Players wanted to develop a performance that “was truly a classic,” according to President Melanie Schmutter.

She noted that “Peter Pan” has become a part of American culture with well-known performances by Mary Martin and Cathy Rigby in the title role.

In addition to impressive sets and memorable songs, the main thrill of the performance will be cast members actually flying across the stage. Several cast members underwent three days of professional training, provided by Foy Flying of Las Vegas, Nev.

The Marlboro Players said audiences will love the performance number “Ugh A Wuh,” choreographed by Patrick Staruga This number involves dance and a drum routine with drum sticks, Indian pom-pons and timpani drums.

According to Schmutter, “the cast had nothing but fun with this and the audience will, too.”

Lead roles include Melissa Lea Dennen of Monroe Township as Peter Pan, Whitney Schmutter of Marlboro as Wendy, Zachary Miller of Marlboro as John, Roik Selterman of Manalapan as Captain Hook and Jamian Berkal of Manalapan as Tiger Lily.

Mark Ilardi is directing the production, with musical direction by Andrew Macirowski, set design by Patrick McGlone and costume design by Marilyn Dickholtz.

The Marlboro Players announced that auditions for an upcoming production of “Evita” will be held on Jan. 24-25 at the Frank J. Dugan Elementary School, Topanemus Road, Marlboro. For more information call (732) 972-7217.