'Peter Pan' to dance across the Tivoli stage

Children don't need words to understand Midwest Ballet's portrayal of the boy who never grows up.

Costumes, vigorous dancing and some silent acting has been more than enough in past performances for even the littlest kids to engage in the performance of "Peter Pan," which runs this weekend at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove.

"Obviously there's no language exchanged, but obviously they get it," said Mim Eichmann, Midwest Ballet's artistic director. "That's really our mission: to make it challenging for the dancer but present it in a way that's going to intrigue the interest and patronage for our ballets."

In watching old recordings of past performances, it's apparent that they're accomplishing that.

"The little kids watching will yell out, 'Look out, Peter' or when Tinkerbell goes to drink the poisoned milk, they'll yell out, 'No, don't do it! Don't do it! Put it down!'" Eichmann said.

This performance follows the original story of "Peter Pan," as opposed to the Disney version, and it is set to a score from composers Bizet, Grieg and Auber. The Midwest Ballet first performed it more than two decades ago.

When you're a Lost Boy, it's hard to imagine that someday you might be Tinker Bell.

At least that's how Naperville dancer Anna Ding, 14, felt years ago when she first danced the Midwest Ballet Theatre's "Peter Pan."

Ding will lead the cast of 18 this weekend in her role of Tinker Bell.

"Tinker Bell is such a fun character," Ding said. "She's just very out there and having fun on stage. She's very care free. When I'm acting, I make people laugh, and it makes me feel good."

Unlike many of Midwest Ballet's other productions, "Peter Pan" involves a lot of acting.

"There's a lot of acting and suspense in this show that normally isn't in a lot of ballet shows," Ding said.

Despite the production's easiness to interpret, the dancing remains professional, Eichmann says.

"It's very difficult work in terms of choreography," Eichmann said. "It's very fast dancing throughout, and a lot of jumping. Everyone has to be in peak condition."

"Peter Pan" begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7, at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and children.

For information, call (630) 971-9751 or visit midwestballet.org.

If you go

What: Midwest Ballet Theatre's "Peter Pan"

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7

Where: Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove

Cost: $13 adults, $12 seniors, students and children

Info: (630) 971-9751 or midwestballet.org