There’s a local connection to an upcoming performance of Peter Pan happening at Malaspina Theatre in Nanaimo, as the main part is being tackled by Nanoose Bay’s Kiana Smith.
Oceanside residents may recognize 14-year-old Smith from her role as Gretl Von Trapp in Bard to Broadway’s Sound of Music, or her other musical productions including the lead in Dover Bay’s production of Annie last fall. Smith will be attending the provincial championships in Kamloops in June for Junior Musical Theatre Voice thanks to her performance at the Upper Island Music Festival this year.
Peter Pan is being put on by the Kirkwood Academy of the Performing Arts, best known for its ballet productions of The Nutcracker at Christmas time. Musical theatre director Donna Wilkins has been teaching at the academy for 18 years and also teaches at the Parksville Ballet School.
The large cast will include singers, dancers and actors ranging in ages 5 to 18, playing Lost Boys, mermaids, fairies, pirates and more.
The family-oriented production runs Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. and May 7 at 2 and 7 p.m. at Vancouver Island University. Tickets are $17.50 for adults and $13 for children, available from the Port Theatre by calling 250-754-8550 or visiting www.porttheatre.com.