Theater Arts is 'Playing with Peter'

Despite Peter Pan's musical plea that he never wants to grow up, Theater Arts Program members are emphasizing an adult theme to the classic fairy tale. A new adaptation of the story underscores the sexual innuendos and death undertones in the original play by J.M. Barrie, which opens tonight at the Annenberg Center. Theater Arts Program's Playing with Peter, has been plugged by the organizers as "for adults only." According to Producer Anthony Verrecchia, a College junior, the production tries to show audience members how to have close relationships with other people. "I hope people understand what we're trying to do, how we're interpreting everything," said Verrecchia. "I don't think [Barrie] wrote [Peter Pan] just for children." He added that the play tries to foster sexual awareness in communities, and strives for "the free expression of sexuality of all persuasions." The modern drama also breaks down gender barriers, with each of the six-person-cast playing several of the more than 20 male and female parts throughout the two-hour-play. By doing this, the show's organizers hope to deemphasize the male and female stereotypes. "What we've done is created a small community of adult actors," said Director Cary Mazer, an associate professor of English. They are driven by an underlying current of "not getting old." The play itself underwent major modifications throughout rehearsals with cast members often improvising off the original script. "It is truly an artistic collaboration," said Mazer. "We had to figure out what story we were telling, by figuring out how we were going to tell it and who was going to tell it." Cast members said they were excited with the opportunity to recreate a childhood fairy tale and make it relevant to college audiences. "I hope the audience will come with an open mind and experience a new adventure that we've created," said College senior Leigh Frillici, a member of the cast. "It's fascinating how a fairy tale that has been with people since childhood can grow with them and see how an adult can interpret it," she added. Playing with Peter will be showing at the Studio Theater of the Annenberg Center, Wednesday through Saturday, at 8 p.m. Tickets will be on sale all week on Locust Walk and the Annenberg Center for $5.

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