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'Peter Pan' helps Naperville's Magical Starlight Theatre celebrate 20th anniversary

The tale began 20 years ago with a young sorcerer, just learning to harness his magical powers.

And today the story continues with a boy whose powers are so great he can fly, never grow up, and never lose his magic.

Kris Visher of Naperville — who has been there since the beginning — says it's only fitting that Magical Starlight Theatre began two decades ago with a performance of “The Sorcerer's Apprentice” and, this weekend, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a production of “Peter Pan.”

After all, Visher says, the theater troupe has been spreading its own pixie dust for generations, just like Peter Pan himself.

“We have kids participating for the first time in 'Peter Pan' and their parents were with Magical Starlight Theatre before they were even born,” said Visher, who is directing the show. “We think it's a classic story that has elements for adults as well as youth, and it's also cast as such. We really wanted a big show for our 20th, and all generations love 'Peter Pan.' ”

And that, she says, is why Magical Starlight Theatre chose this show, rather than any influence from NBC's recent “Peter Pan Live.” Visher does admit, however, that a major broadcast like that gives the local troupe a healthy sense of competition.

“The more people have an interest or a buzz about it, the higher our game is because we are aware that audiences are familiar with the story and we must figure out how to create it anew,” she said. “For example, if they do 'Newsies' on Broadway and then we do it, it ups our game to make sure we're just a little bit better.

“Our passion and commitment are what make it new and we know this current show will knock everyone's socks off.”

Though the doors don't open until Friday for the play at Naperville Central High School, crowds came early to audition. More than 100 children in fourth grade and older, as well as adults and college students from throughout the area, tried out for roles and 55 were cast in the production.

Dozens of others also are working behind the scenes to create the magical effects of Neverland, including pirate ships, a glowing fairy and a mischievous crocodile.

Chicago Flyhouse has trained the actors and technicians to help Peter and the Darling children take flight in the show. Even the sets have elaborate special touches, including an elaborate map of Neverland painted by the theater department from Northwestern University.

The map comes with the help of technical director Chris Wych of Chicago, who grew up in Naperville and now serves as the properties supervisor at Northwestern's Wirtz Center for the performing arts.

“He has always given back home and uses his own vacation time for our shows,” Visher said. “We have a great reputation and it's thanks to all of these volunteers who put in hours of preparation.”

Magical Starlight Theatre also will continue a time-held tradition this weekend during “Peter Pan:” one member of the audience will find a lucky sticker in their playbill and receive a copy of the book “Peter Pan,” signed by all of the cast members.

Visher said both the troupe and its audience cherish the hallmark, which not only inspires an appreciation for reading and theater but helps the troupe live up to its magical moniker.

“Winning that book, to a little kid, is like the culmination of their dreams,” she said with a laugh.

  Emma Lee portrays the boy who never grows up in "Peter Pan." Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com
  Noelle Maher (as the dog), Brady Cotler, Chris Oechsel and Alison Fosdick rehearse a scene from "Peter Pan." The show is presented by Naperville Park District's Magical Starlight Theatre troupe, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com
  A cast of 55 - including Brady Cotler, Alison Fosdick and Isabella Newhuis - will take the stage in "Peter Pan" over the next two weekends at Naperville Central High School. Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com
  Many cast members in Magical Starlight Theatre's "Peter Pan," including Isabella Newhuis as Wendy, Skylar McClure as Tinkerbell and Emma Lee as Peter, weren't even born when the troupe began performing 20 years ago. Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com

If you go

What: Magical Starlight Theatre production of “Peter Pan”

When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16-17 and 23-24; 2 p.m. Jan. 17-18 and 24-25

Where: Naperville Central High School auditorium, 440 West Ave.

Tickets: $12

Info: napervilleparks.org or (630) 848-5000

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