PUBLISHED IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE APRIL 1, 2015

Beginning April 6, the Theatre at the Center will be putting on AlphaBet Soup’s production of “Peter Pan and the Pirates”.

This show will be a modernized, musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale about the boy who does not want to grow up. “Peter Pan and the Pirates” will follow the basic story line, including everyone’s favorite characters, like fairies, swashbuckling pirates, and tick-tocking crocodiles.

According to Mark Pence, owner of AlphaBet Soup and rewriter of the play, “there are magical moments all throughout the play. It starts out set in a condo in downtown Chicago. There’s also a part where Peter Pan learns to high five.”

On top of all the modern adaptations, the show of “Peter Pan and the Pirates” at Theatre at the Center is rumored to have one of the most brilliant flying scenes without the use of any wires.

The show will also focus more on the role of the mother than other productions of the play have. “(We) really amped up the role of the mother,” Pence said, “It’s really important, especially since Wendy takes on a motherly role when with the boys.”

Currently, AlphaBet Soup has been touring the Illinois suburbs with “Peter Pan and the Pirates” and it has gone over very well with audiences. The show is recommended for children grades pre-school through 5th grade, but according to Pence, “it is universal to all audiences.”

Theatre in the Center is a very unique space for AlphaBet Productions. Pence mentioned, “This is the fourth show that we have done with Theatre at the Center. It has a beautiful thrust stage, which is different from most of the stages that we perform at. Actors have to think on their feet and re-block the show on the fly. I believe it gives a more intimate experience to the audience.”

For tickets to see “Peter Pan and the Pirates” an AlphaBet Soup production, contact Public Performances at the Box Office for Theater in the Center, 219-36-3255 or visit theatreatthecenter.com.

Beth Casey is a freelance writer.

‘Peter Pan and the Pirates’

April 6-12

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN

Tickets: $6.50-$9.50
Information: 219-836-3255 or Theatreatthecenter.com