Peter Pan: A Show That Takes Flight
JACKSON, Tenn. – On Friday, Ballet Arts of Jackson begins a three-day run of “Peter Pan.” It is a show with more than meets the eye. Peter Pan, the boy who never wants to grow up, is actually played by a girl. Lane Owens, 17, of Jackson, said this is her dream role. She has aspired to play Peter since she began dancing 14 years ago. This role for the Jackson Central-Merry High School senior tests more than just her dancing skills. She gets to fly as the lead character. At times, she soars 20-feet above the stage of the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Her gravity defying feat is possible thanks to a pulley system manned by a backstage crew who uses their own weight to suspend and fly her and four other characters. The professed girly girl has no problems wearing a ratty wig and “boy” make up for her character. She said it is worth it to get to soar across the stage. Her first flight of the show is her favorite. “I come out of the window and I just leap forward,” Owens said. “I’m way up in the air; it’s so much fun.” She makes each flight look easy. Through leg swings and body control she directors herself while swinging, flipping and flying. But she admits it is a lot harder than it looks. “I have bruises like none other,” she admits. “Captain Hook has a big bruise right now because he was hit with my wire in practice.” “Peter Pan” will be Owens last show as a member of Ballet Arts. She calls it emotional but awesome, and wants to pack the house for each performance. “It’s a really amazing show,” Owens said. “You just have to experience it for yourself.” Performances at the Carl Perkins Civic Center are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets, which start at $16, can be purchased online at www.balletartsjackson.org or up to one hour before showtime at the Civic Center Box Office.
