No Fear of Flying in This Week's 'Peter Pan' Shows

The cast of "Peter Pan" has just three days to learn to fly.

They started on Sunday evening, and by Wednesday's opening performance at Middle Township's Performing Arts Center, when they "think lovely thoughts," they'll take flight.

The Ocean City Theatre Company — with the help of the company Flying by Foy — is busy learning the special effects it takes to bring to life the story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up.

The cast features 2012 Absegami High School graduate and Galloway Township resident Morgan Kirner as Peter Pan. Two other Absegami graduates — Melissa McCann as Tiger Lily and Corey Hafner as John — star in the show.

On Sunday, Flying by Foy introduced the cast and stage hands to the harnesses, pulleys and techniques that will make the characters soar above the stage. By Wednesday, they'll not only have to fly, but to sing and act while doing so in a fully choreographed performance.

Despite a gentle crash into a wall and the uncertainties of no two flights that end the same, Kirner appeared confident and said she was helped along by a little adrenaline.

She's flown before — in a performance of "The Little Mermaid" with the Paper Mill Playhouse. The Boston Conservatory sophomore is the daughter of Tom and Barb Kirner and appeared in Absegami productions of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Footloose," among others. Kirner won over Ocean City audiences last summer as “Cinderella.” 

She and the OCTC cast will join the Ocean City Pops orchestra for three performances of the musical at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14, 15 and 16. 

The show had originally been scheduled to be performed at Ocean City High School's Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center, but a summer project to waterproof the auditorium forced the production to move to the Middle Township Performing Arts Center.

"It's a shame we couldn't be in Ocean City," OCTC Artistic Director Michael Hartman said of the family show. "Because it's Ocean City-oriented."

Peter Pan, the children’s story written by novelist J.M. Barrie and set to music by Broadway legend Jule Styne, and Mark Charlap, is touted as being the “one children's show that adults have no trouble enjoying.”

Hartman said the show is similar to the one many adults may remember starring Mary Martin.

Hartman directs the show with choreography by Kelly Swartz and music direction by Jonathan Kreamer.

Accomplished regional theater actor and director John Anker Bow will conquer the villainous role of Captain Hook with the Darling family being brought to life by Rachel Marlowe (Wendy), Corey John Hafner (John), Jonathan Block (Michael) and Marcia Dunlap (Mrs. Darling).  Direct from a Philadelphia production of Ragtime, Connor McAndrews will act as Hook’s sidekick, Smee.

Tickets range from $15 to $25 and are available at Middle Township Performing Arts Center’s Box Office, 212 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Court House, NJ  08210. You may also call 609-463-1924. The venue is located off Garden State Parkway Exit 9.

On Friday, Aug. 16, OCTC will partner with the historic Flanders Hotel for a special "Peter Pan" character breakfast. The morning will feature a breakfast spread, as well as special activities and photo opportunities with Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, Hook and Tiger Lily.  To make a reservation for the breakfast, call 609-399-1000.

To learn more about the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company visit www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.