Monday, January 13, 2025
Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh will host several performances of “Peter Pan Jr.” this weekend, presented by its Junior Players. The production brings together 29 young actors, ranging in age from 5 to 15, to reenact the beloved tale of Peter Pan and his adventures in Neverland.
Lorri Waiting, producer of “Peter Pan Jr.,” said the play was chosen for its ability to include all participants.
“We were looking for something specific that would encompass all of the kids, the boys, the girls, kind of very inclusive of everyone,” she said.
Rehearsals for the production began in early September, with weekly Sunday sessions. Waiting described the children’s progress as “amazing,” noting their ability to embrace their roles and perform without a vocal track. It’s been fascinating, she said, to watch them learn and grow as performers.
For many of the younger children, “Peter Pan Jr.” marks their introduction to the story. Waiting emphasized the importance of keeping the experience enjoyable. “We just want them to be here and be happy and want them to be involved in something,” she said.
The play is directed by Alisa Baroukh, who is making her directorial debut.
“I love working in the theater and I love working with the kids,” she said. “I thought it would be great to take a vision and make it happen.”
Baroukh highlighted the collaborative atmosphere, with older, more experienced participants mentoring younger cast members, fostering leadership and camaraderie.
The production features lively set pieces, including a pirate ship and a nursery, designed with the help of temple member Mark Plavin. One standout scene, referred to as “the monster scene,” combines five songs and brings together the pirates, lost boys, and brave girls. “The cues are hard, but their rehearsals have shown that they are up for the challenge,” Baroukh said.
Choreographer Sarah Reilly, 22, who has acted in temple productions since age 10, described her role as fulfilling.
“When it actually all comes together and seeing them execute it, I just feel so proud and so happy to see them bring it to life,” Reilly said.
Arielle Minkowsky, 12, plays Wendy, the eldest child of the Darling family and one of the main protagonists, next to Peter Pan, who is played by 13-year-old Elijah Baroukh. Arielle said she is looking forward to seeing the younger performers hit the stage.
“I really like having the little kids in it because they add an energy to it,” Arielle said.
For 13-year-old Jordan Waiting, who plays Tiger Lily, the experience has been especially rewarding.
“They’re almost like little sisters,” she said of the younger cast members. “Being with them, entertaining them, and getting to know them has been really fun.”
Performances will take place at Temple B’nai Torah. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
