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Hook, Lines & Singers: This 'Pan' To Fly High

Tribune photo by CHRISTINE DeLESSIO

Shelby Martin, 13, takes flight in the Arts in Motion production of "Peter Pan" at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School.

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By SUZANNE M SCHMIDT

In The Loop

Published: November 6, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - When most people think of Peter Pan, the image of the flying boy who never grows up comes to mind. Arts In Motion, a Pasco County community youth theater group, is bringing that magic to life.

Instead of actors looking like they are flying, volunteers have put their own magic to work. The organization has enlisted Flying by Foy, the company that worked on the original Broadway show.

Terry Smith of Dade City, a volunteer with the organization, made it her goal to see that the actors would get the chance to soar.

"When I first volunteered, I knew I wanted to work on the sets," Smith said. "Then I decided I would do research to see what would be needed to make them fly. We had to work hard to raise the money, but I think it will make a world of difference having the kids fly."

Roger Scruggs of Land O' Lakes said he would sign up as director only if the actors were going to fly above the stage.

"It makes it more magical," Scruggs said. "There is a whole song called 'I Am Flying,' and it really makes the show. I have done it before where we have them stand on stage and try to make it look like they are flying, but it doesn't have the same effect. It will add a huge dimension to the show, and it will help it to be something everyone will definitely remember."

The part of Captain Hook will be played by Wesley Chapel High School senior Lauren Bates, 17, of Dade City. She said she is nervous and excited about playing the villain.

"I am going to play him a little flamboyant because it is a musical, but I still want to play him evil because he is bad," Bates said. "I think it is a lot more fun to play the villain than the hero because you get to be evil."

The part of Peter Pan will be played by Shelby Martin, 13, of Dade City.

"I like acting because I get to be someone who I am really not," Martin said. "I like Peter Pan because nothing bothers him and he is always happy. I am so excited I get to fly. I also love all the singing, acting and dancing."

Dale Armstrong, 11, of Wesley Chapel will play the part of John Darling. He said he is thrilled about the role.

"I am excited I will get to be on stage most of the time and that I will get to fly," Armstrong said. "It is nothing like anything else."

'PETER PAN'

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road.

TICKETS: Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

INFORMATION: For tickets or information, go to www.artsinmotionpasco.org or call JeanMarie Cova at (813) 783-9690.

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