Come fly with CTE in “Peter Pan”

This weekend, relive your childhood with the timeless tale of “Peter Pan.” Children’s Theatre of Elgin celebrates its 25th anniversary year with this classic story. Performances take place Oct. 26-28 at the Hemmens in Elgin.

This adapted story is similar to the classic version, but incorporates some very clever twists. The modern day musical highlights familiar songs and a script written by CTE co-founder and director Peter Akemann with artistic input from his children Jake and Sarah Akemann, both CTE alumni, to offer audiences more laughs and big surprises.

“‘Peter Pan’ should not be missed,” said producer Amy Zapata. “After all — how often do you get to see children flying through the air?”

The story begins with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell returning to the Darling home after an absence of many years to recover the Clockwork Medallion, a special key that will unlock the most amazing treasure. Join Peter, Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael on their exciting journey to Neverland in search of this wondrous treasure. Plot, hide, and run with the Lost Children, the Natives, Pirates and Fairies. Witness Captain James before he became “Captain Hook,” and see if Tinker Bell can survive a bucket of the dreaded “Fairy Venom.”

The show highlights songs that will be familiar to audiences of all ages.

“We have great talent to showcase,” says vocal director Jonathan Horn. “It is always a joy working with the amazing cast and crew at CTE.”

The Hemmens Cultural Center will host a sizable cast of over 100 children ages 7-15, who will act, sing and dance to this musical version of the popular tale. Performers come from communities around the Fox Valley, including: Algonquin, Bartlett, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Elburn, Elgin, Gilberts, Hampshire, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Maple Park, North Barrington, St. Charles, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, Streamwood, West Dundee and Woodstock.

Morning performances will be offered to school groups on Oct. 25-26. Public performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. There is also a special group showing at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 for clubs, scouts, and youth groups.

Tickets for public performances are $11 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more will be given a price break at the Saturday 2 p.m. matinee ($8 in advance/$9 at the door).

Children’s Theatre of Elgin will be handling all ticket sales this year. Tickets can be purchased via credit card 24 hours a day by visiting cteelgin.com. Otherwise, call the office at (847) 214-7550. Advanced ticket purchasing is recommended.

“Peter Pan” is produced and presented by Children’s Theatre of Elgin, a nonprofit corporation in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. CTE provides theater experiences for young performers (ages 7-15) whose talents are showcased for theater patrons of all ages. Visit cteelgin.com.