Peter Pan never grows old

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

Peter Pan's Never Never Land has been a world of pirate ships, lost boys, Indians and fairies for more than 100 years, but the story about the boy who refuses to grow up never gets old.

The Theatre of Arts Discipline presents J.M. Barrie's play, "Peter Pan," Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School in the Gardnerville Ranchos. The cast of 35 first- through sixth-grade Carson Valley students is directed by TOAD executive director Rich Garrett and artistic director Kris Garrett.

"We're looking forward to seeing the little kids do 'Peter Pan.' They're so much fun. Our Tinker Bell, Kaitlyn Grove, is not afraid to do anything," said Kris Garrett.

"The set is amazing and the costumes are done by Utahna Derbyshire with the idea of a child's imagination," she said. "We have about six parents who rallied to get things done over Easter vacation. We have found the right community."

Kris and her husband Rich Garrett, the drama teacher at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School, run the Theatre of Arts Discipline. The theater group produced "Godspell" in 2009, and productions of "Steel Magnolias" and "Romeo and Juliet" are planned this spring. "Once Upon a Mattress" for ages 6-12 and "Thoroughly Modern Millie" for ages 13-18 are part of the TOAD summer theater lineup.

"Kids don't want to take drama lessons, but the productions are attractive to them. When they do something like 'Steel Magnolias,' they don't know how many lessons they just got during rehearsals," said Kris Garrett.

"We love the 'get it' moment. Rich thrives on kids getting it," she said. "Doing theater for kids is not a bad way to spend your day."

Information about TOAD at www.toad.vpweb.com

"Peter Pan" is performed 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School, 701 Long Valley Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for children under 10, available at toadinc@gmail.com or (775) 219-3577.