'Peter Pan' show flies into dance theater
Nathan Lubeck, 12, who plays Peter Pan, and Tori Scoggins, who portrays his fairy friend Tinkerbell, rehearse at the Ron Jones Academy of Ballet. The show Peter Pan and Friends will be performed at Augusta State University's performing arts theatre at 7 p.m. Friday.
Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett
The story about the boy who will never grow up never grows old.
The Augusta Dance Theatre will present Peter Pan and Friends at 7 p.m. Friday at Augusta State University's Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.
"We have so many boys; the boys inspired it," said Ron Jones, the director of the group, who teaches a boys class every Saturday at the Ron Jones Academy of Ballet, located on Furys Ferry Road.
"We consistently have 13 in the Saturday class," Jones said.
There are more than 20 boys and men in the production, ranging from 4-year-olds to adults.
Mickey Lubeck, who toured with a production of Cats for several years, is the main choreographer for Peter Pan.
The work involves more jazz and modern dance than classical ballet, and for the pirates, it's all about acting.
"This is more character than dance," said Randall Collins, an Augusta State University student, one among the band of pirates.
"You get to act goofy and silly; it's not a lot of dancing at all."
For Nathan Lubeck, who plays the lead role of Peter Pan, the best part is performing with his father, Chuck Lubeck, who plays Captain Hook.
"I like getting into fights with my dad," said the 12-year-old, who is home-schooled.
Peter Pan and Friends is the main piece during the show, but there are four additional repertoire pieces.
"They are varied," Mr. Jones said.
"It gives them a good variety to work with. They go from a barefoot ballet to a ballet on pointe shoes."
The evening will highlight more than 50 dancers.
Tickets to the show cost $17 for adults and $12 for senior citizens and students.
For ticket information, call 860-1852.
In our Make Kids Count profile, meet an Evans High School student always ready to share her vocal talents./Page 7
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