The theater has long been called the place to suspend one’s disbelief and allow the magic of the production to take the audience to another place.
When deciding the opening performance for this year’s Augusta Ballet season, artistic director Ron Jones said that premise was a major motivation in the decision to bring a dance version of “Peter Pan” to the stage.
“With COVID and all the world has gone through,” Peter Pan seemed to fit the bill perfectly, he said. “Peter and the Lost Boys don’t ever have to grow up. They fly into Neverland.”
And he and his wife, Kathleen Jones, felt a trip to Neverland would be a welcome distraction to audience members.
MORE: Arts in the Heart celebrates its 40th anniversary – finally
Formerly known as Columbia County Ballet, the Augusta Ballet has performed the story of the boy who never grew up, Tinkerbell, Capt. Hook, the Darling children and Lost Boys twice before. The last time was in 2012.
Jones’ grandson, Gabriel Hughes, 23, has made a journey through Neverland several times before.
“He was the littlest lost boy in 2005 and was Peter in 2012,” said Jones. “Now he’s Mr. Smee.”
He’s also been working with the dancers to stage the show.
One thing that sets this ballet off from others is the “energy” Jones said is exuded through the Lost Boys.
They join the stage with their fathers who take the roles of the pirates. The father-son duos fight each other during the production.
“They’ve done their own sword choreography,” he said.
Peter Pan will be performed at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25-$40 and are available at center’s website, thecenterofcc.com.
MORE: Richmond County’s Sheriff hosts annual Burgers and Shakes
The Augusta Ballet moved its performances to the Columbia County venue last fall. Previous productions had been at the Imperial Theatre and Bell Auditorium.
Jones raved about the facility which opened in 2021.
“The backstage area is amazing. There’s a lot of dressing room space. The staff has been artist-friendly,” he said.
After “Peter Pan,” the Augusta Ballet will begin preparations for “The Nutcracker” which will be in December also at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
