Classic musical comes to middle school

On Friday, Inman Middle School students will take a trip to Neverland in their production of “Peter Pan Jr.”

This musical is based on the Disney movie of the same name and includes many of the classic songs, including “The Second Start to the Right,” “You Can Fly” and “Following the Leader.” It follows the adventures of Wendy, John and Michael, three children taken to the fantasy world of Neverland by the mischievous Peter Pan.

Maria Urwiller, an eighth-grader who plays Wendy, said she enjoys the music.

“The songs are really fun to do,” she said. “It’s a classic. Everybody’s seen the movie, so it’s fun relating.”

The role of Peter Pan is played by seventh-grader Alex Wiens. He said he enjoys the musical’s ending, when he and his Lost Boys emerge victorious.

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“I capture Captain Hook and the pirates and we win,” he said. “It’s choreographed really well. When I read it, I wasn't sure how it was going to work.”

Wiens said his favorite song is a new addition, “Fly to your Heart.”

“It’s slower and more majestic,” he said. “There’s a part that goes, ‘Fly to who you are/You’ll believe, you'll find your wings.’ You can take that if you're shy and be inspired.”

Nicholas Martisko, a seventh-grade playing John, said he enjoys “What Makes the Brave Man Brave.”

“There’s a lot of actions, and it’s one of the most upbeat songs,” he said.

Karissa Menard, the show’s director, said she chose the play because she was confident she would be able to find good people to fill the roles.

“It's filled with adventure — pirates, Indians, great music,” she said. “Just because it’s a junior production doesn’t mean it’s any less good.”

Wiens said it’s a good chance for people to find their place in the spotlight.

“People who usually don’t get good parts in sports or other activities have it here,” he said. “It shows different talents.”

The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children. Advance tickets are available at the district office, 119 S. Main St., or 620-585-2689.

Contact Josh Arnett by email at jarnett@mcphersonsentinel.com and follow him on Twitter @ArnettSentinel.