Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009

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Kurtis Brown, who plays the lead role, said "Peter Pan" is one of his favorite musicals.

For Lafayette High School sophomore Samantha Sabad, SCAPA’s fall production of “Peter Pan” brings a sense of déjà vu. Six years ago, Samantha played a Lost Boy. This year, she is the director’s assistant.

“I get to remember what I did, and I blocked some of the scenes. I’m very pleased with how it’s turning out,” she said during a recent dress rehearsal, adding, “It’s an all-around great family show – a fun show to be a part of.”

This is the third time that SCAPA Bluegrass is presenting “Peter Pan” at the Lexington Opera House, where the show opens Nov. 12.

“The kids always have a great experience with it,” director Alberta Labrillazo said. “I think everybody can understand wanting to stay young and not growing up. Also, Peter Pan is triumphant and beats the bad guy.”

With some dressed as pirates and others in nightgowns or rags, the kids went through their paces as Labrillazo watched over her brood. “This show is a great teaching tool for technical theater,” she noted, though the flying would wait for another day.

Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael and John (along with four children cast as Jane for a cameo) will be outfitted with zFX’s flying apparatus. This is the same company that harnessed Cathy Rigby in the 2001 Broadway revival of “Peter Pan.”

“The whole flying experience, being able to see people fly in the theater – you don’t get to see that very often,” Labrillazo said.

The flying component lifts parental involvement to a whole new level, since moms and dads behind the scenes will hoist their own kids as they soar across the stage. Labrillazo called it a special bonding experience: “You’re literally carrying the weight of your child.”

Steve Nance, whose son plays Michael, said he’ll be ready.

“I think he says the word ‘Christmas!’ and shoots up in the air. That’s my cue,” said Nance, who will train along with other parents at the Opera House a couple of days before the first performance.

For Shelby, a SCAPA drama major whose résumé includes a Woodford County production of “Oliver,” this is his first speaking role. “I just liked the story of Peter Pan and thought it would be cool to be in it,” he said during a break at practice.

Fellow sixth-grader Kurtis Brown, a vocal major who has the lead, was also excited about the show. Decked out in a green tunic accented with leaves, brown leggings and moccasin-style boots, he seemed confident.

“During auditions, I was singing around the house to learn the words and music. … I’m feeling pretty comfortable with the lines,” said Kurtis, who has memorized his part scene by scene.

“The music is really good,” he added. “It’s one of my favorite musicals.”

By the numbers:

• 102: SCAPA Bluegrass middle school cast members
• 97: SCAPA Bluegrass elementary cast members
• 15: SCAPA Lafayette technical crew members

If you go

“Peter Pan”

• What: A SCAPA production
• When: 7 p.m. Nov. 12; 8 p.m. Nov. 13; 2 & 8 p.m. Nov. 14
• Where: Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St.
• Tickets: $12 adults, $10 students in advance; $13, $11 at the door.
• Reservations: (859) 233-3535