'Peter Pan' set to fly farther than ever at West Aurora high

Of course, Peter Pan can fly. But it's unusual to see that feat take place in a high school play.

At West Aurora High School, however, you can expect the unexpected when it comes to its spring musical. During the upcoming performance of "Peter Pan" at West, the main character will fly about 70 feet into the middle of the theater on a motorized track system used in professional productions. On most high school stages, Peter Pan travels only a couple rows over the audience.

"West might not be the first high school to 'fly' Pan with this method, but we will be among the very, very few who do," said Tom Lorenz, auditorium manager for the show.

Jessica Navarro will play Peter Pan. A few other play characters will "fly" as well, but only from one side of the stage to the other.

The play will be family-friendly, although there are some changes from the version most people remember. "We've changed a bit of the dialogue to get out of the old English-type setting. It's not necessarily in England," said Ken Ruffalo, director. "It's traditional in some sense, modernized or updated in other ways."

The play will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, May 7, to Sunday, May 9 at West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New York St., Aurora.

Tickets are $10 and all seats are reserved. Call (630) 301-5600. You can purchase tickets during the school day, or, if available, the night of the show.