KEALAKEKUA — This Journey back to Neverland will feature all of the familiar characters but with a few updated twists.
Aloha Theatre Mainstage Production’s rendition of the Disney classic stars Peter Pan, who leads the Darling children and audience into the magical world of Captain Hook, but expect a few tweaks to the story that first graced the stage in 1904.
“We worked hard to shape the show to be more inclusive and less racial based,” Aloha Theatre’s guest director Tiffany Kutsunai said on the West Hawaii version of the story that was turned into a Disney film in 1953.
The characters “Lost Boys” instead are the Lost Ones and the “Red Indians” are replaced by the Brave Ones. Many of the traditional male roles in the show are portrayed by strong females who give life to the characters.
“We are a very diverse group of cast members,” Kutsunai said about why change up from traditional casting.
She added that the message behind the change that the actors and audience can take away from the production is “empowerment and reward.”
“These performers have worked very hard, even prior to auditions,” she said.
Harli Meech plays Peter Pan alongside Kira Kane, who whisks about the stage as Tinker Bell. Tyra Iaela stars as Hook and Tiger Lily, or Brave One in this version, is portrayed by Lilikoi Canas.
Cast members have also been taught about the Choctaw Native American culture through dance and storytelling. The producers wanted to teach the kids in the cast about the actual Native American life, and not defer to standard portrayals of yesterday.
“It was especially important for our resident Choctaw woman and choreographer, Jaquelynn Jeanne Collier, to erase stereotypes and be authentic,” Kutsunai said.
While there might be some new faces, songs and twists in the show, it still follows the classic’s to-grow-up-or-not plot.
Wendy Darling, played by Elena Barnreuther, loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the children and whisks them away to Neverland, with the help of Tinkerbell’s pixie dust.
On their journey, they meet the Lost Ones, Mermaids, Brave Ones and Hook, who takes Wendy captive and launches his own sinister plans for Peter.
Figuring out flight simulation without cables was difficult, Kutsunai said, but the team got creative.
“We don’t want to give away our secrets,” she said.
The play runs this weekend and next, beginning at 7:30 tonight. Saturday’s show is also at 7:30 p.m. while Sunday’s curtain lifts at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets for adults cost $15. For seniors and young adults it’s $12 while children pay $5. Info: www.alohatheatre.com or call the box office at 731-7437.