With two more productions, ‘Peter Pan' springs eternal

Never say never for Neverland.

After Atlanta hosted a touring, state-of-the-art "Peter Pan" last year -- featuring actors flying through Edwardian London via computer-generated imagery projected 360 degrees across the interior walls of a big top downtown -- you'd think that might be the final word on J.M. Barrie’s timeless tale. Well, at least for a while.

But classics are classics for a reason, and the eternally popular story about the boy who won’t grow up always seems to Hook new audiences. Thus, two very different productions are about to open:

• Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre (formerly Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre) wraps up its 55th season with "Pan," featuring original choreography by Shelley S. Grames and special aerial movement by Hall Associates Flying Effects, Friday through Sunday at Cobb County Civic Center. Jay Jernigan has the lead role in a production featuring seven professional dancers from Atlanta and New York plus a full ensemble of student dancers.

• The Center for Puppetry Arts opens a puppet version of "Pan," adapted and directed by artistic associate Michael Haverty, on April 3-May 27. Peter soars in this theatrical version featuring new rod puppets and original music and songs.

PREVIEW

"Peter Pan"