The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to present its second BRAC Summer Youth Theatre Institute production of the year with “Peter Pan JR.” Thirty-six dedicated cast members between the ages of six and 13 are participating in the 2024 Institute and have been rehearsing since June 24 with the BRAC educational staff of directors, choreographers and instructors. This talented group of young actors will present a total of four performances at the Historic Owen Theatre on Friday, July 12 (7 p.m.); Saturday, July 13 (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.); and Sunday, July 14 (2 p.m.). Reserved seats are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255.
Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score by Morris “Moose” Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green, “Peter Pan” is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. This high-flying Tony Award-winning musical has been performed around the world and delighted audiences for 60 years and is now adapted for young performers in this Branson Regional Arts Council production at the Historic Owen Theatre.
The BRAC production of “Peter Pan JR” is directed by Josh Williams with assistant director Sarah Williams and music direction by Nicole Horton.In the story, Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, the fierce Brave Girls, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.
Featuring the iconic songs, “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land,” and a rousing book full of magic, warmth and adventure, “Peter Pan JR” is the perfect show for the child in all of us…who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up.
The 36 young cast members of “Peter Pan JR” include Charlee Jean Mitchell (Peter Pan), Scarlett McManus (Wendy), Indy Griffith (Captain Hook), Zoë McNeil (Tiger Lily / Flying Ensemble), Alton Prince (John), Emmit Johnson (Michael), Remmy Ray (Smee), Evan Carr (Mr. Darling / Bob / Pirate), Promise Brunson (Mrs. Darling / Snoozy / Pirate), Polly Greenstone (Liza / Brave Girl 5 / Flying Ensemble), ToriAnn Lyons (Nana / Puddles / Pirate), Lee Brown (Nibs / Lost Boy), Kaj Swanson (Slightly / Lost Girl), Giovanni Verastegul (Curly / Lost Boy), Norah Gumm (Twin 1 / Lost Girl), Lillie Ingram (Twin 2 / Lost Girl), Myles Mitchell (Tootles / Lost Boy), Tayton Boyd (Noodler / Pirate), Austen Rivera (Jukes / Pirate), Rilyn Chick (Starkey / Pirate / Peter’s Mother), Onyx Steele (Cecco / Pirate), Louise Morlang (Small Brave Girl / Flying Ensemble), Olivia Viall (Brave Girl 1 / Peter’s Shadow / Flying Ensemble), Scout McManus (Brave Girl 2 / Flying Ensemble), Sully McManus (The Crocodile / Dilly / Lost Boy), Liesel Lahlum (Twirly / Lost Girl), Emma Kate Fenton (Gumbo / Lost Girl), Adalynn Fenton (Scabbers / Lost Girl), Brigham Dickison (Carpy / Pirate), Aubrey Combs (Corky, Pirate), Lily Kuenzle (Slinger / Pirate), Ella Jayne Mitchell (Smasher / Pirate), Sophia Kargel (Snickers / Pirate), Logan Boyd (Shocks / Pirate), Layla Gabriel (Brave Girl 3), and Katy Patton (Brave Girl 4 / Flying Ensemble).
Additional production team members include Karie Dykeman and Kristine Brown (producers), Javier Nunez and Amari Snead (choreographers), Kim Hale (education director), Beth Mutrux and Bekah Williams (education assistants), Josslynn Silvy (student assistant), Addy Williams (education assistant / backstage / flyer), Aubrie Fewin, Ashlei Rivera, Alex Rivera and Alivia Prince (flying assistants), Velvet Dougharty (costumes), Melinda Prince (costume assistant), Pamela Meadows (lighting director / education assistant), Myles Stevens (audio technician), Marshall Meadows (photographer), Lacey Kellett (social media), Josh Silvy (theatre inventory), Kyle Blanchard (theatre and special event manager), and BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber (marketing and design).
Supporting Summer Youth Theatre programs like this production of “Peter Pan JR” by the Branson Regional Arts Council is important for several reasons. These include skill development, creativity and expression, confidence building, teamwork and collaboration, community engagement, cultural awareness, personal growth and career exploration.
The BRAC educational programs provide young people with opportunities to develop a wide range of skills, including acting, singing, dancing, public speaking and technical theatre skills. Youth theatre encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing participants to explore different characters and scenarios, fostering imagination and artistic growth. In addition, participating in theatre can boost self-confidence and self-esteem in these students. Performing in front of an audience and receiving positive feedback can be incredibly empowering to a young person.
The BRAC theatre programs teach the importance of working together, supporting peers and understanding different perspectives. The programs also engage the broader community to bring people together in support of our area youth. This fosters a sense of community and shared cultural experience. Over the years, the Arts Council has provided experiences that result in significant personal growth, learning discipline, and responsibility as the student actors balance rehearsals and performances with other commitments. For some, involvement in youth theatre will spark a lifelong passion for the arts, and potentially lead to careers in theatre, film, music or other creative industries.
The Branson Regional Arts Council appreciates the support of our patrons and participants as we continue to develop programs at the Historic Owen Theatre that will ensure these valuable experiences remain accessible to young people in our community for generations to come.
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