Peter Pan Finds New Fans at Newport Beach Library

It was closer to the beach than "first star and to the right and onto Neverland," but more than 100 children did find their way to the Newport Beach Public Library on Tuesday, November 9 to meet cast members from JM Barrie's Peter Pan. It was a combination of various arts - literature, theater and puppetry. Following a brief reading from chapter one of Barrie's classic novel, Ciaran Joyce and Beth Triffon burst forth with an actual scene from the play, as Peter enters and Wendy sews his shadow back on. A special surprise was the appearance of Nana, the Newfoundland dog who is the Darling childrens' nurse (she was accompanied by her trainer/puppeteer Christopher Keller). Peter Pan continues its run at the Center through January 2.

Chris Colfer Makes a Trip to Neverland

Chris Colfer, one of the stars of Fox's Glee, attended a performance of Peter Pan at the Center this past Saturday night. Chris is pictured above with a friend and couple of Peter Pan's Lost Boys. The show seems to be popular with Glee cast members - a few weeks ago Josh Sussman, who plays Jacob Ben Israel, also caught a performance. Due to popular demand, threesixty° entertainment's Peter Pan has been extended until January 2, 2011.

Peter Pan Pirates Commandeer South Coast Plaza!

The hearty pirates from the threesixtyº production of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan at the Center proved they do, indeed, have hearts! The six took no prisoners at South Coast Plaza on Sunday, October 24, to show their support for the annual Pumpkins and Pancakes fundraiser benefitting Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA advocates for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to parental abuse and neglect. Pirates Darrell Brockis, Zoot Lynam, Jim Nieb, Brad E. Smith, Justin Torres and Mauricio Villalobos dueled, danced and charmed their way through the crowds, stealing the show – and the hearts – of everyone on hand to help CASA. If you haven’t seen them and are a pirates fan, you can catch the crew in Peter Pan through January 2.

Ahoy! Peter Pan Pirates Join Pumpkins and Pancakes at South Coast Plaza!

The pirates from J.M.Barrie’s Peter Pan now playing at the Center will mix and mingle at the Saturday, October 24 Pumpkins and Pancakes fundraiser at South Coast Plaza from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA works to break the vicious cycle of child abuse by training community volunteers to speak up for abused children and guiding them into environments where they will thrive. The pirates will join other entertainment and fun on the Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wing of South Coast Plaza. The event runs 8-11 a.m.

Get Sweet with Peter Pan

Whimsical confections have been created expressly by South Coast Plaza restaurants to celebrate threesixty° entertainment’s smash hit production of Peter Pan which is playing at the Center through November 21. The Peter Pan-themed desserts include a special cupcake with pixie dust at Quattro Caffé, Io rifiuto di crescere (I don’t want to grow up) chocolate brownie at Antonello Ristorante and Tinker Bell’s fairy wand at Champagne’s. The sweet treats can be enjoyed before or after seeing Peter Pan performances or anytime a sugar craving hits. These delicious creations, plus many more, can be found at participating restaurants: Anqi by Crustacean, Antonello Ristorante, Champagne French Bakery Café, Leatherby’s Café Rouge, Quattro Caffé, Scott’s Restaurant & Bar and Vie de France. For more information, visit southcoastplaza.com

Fly with Tink!

In our last flip cam video with Peter Pan cast members, meet Tinker Bell who is performed by Itxaso Moreno. She played the fairy in the original cast of threesixty° entertainment's Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens and after a season at the Royal National Theatre in London, she returned as Tinker Bell for the U.S. engagements. Itxaso hails from the Basque Country where she trained in the performing arts at Bilboa's BAI. She moved to Scotland in 1999 and has been acting in the U.K. ever since. You can see Itxaso, Abby, Jonathan and Nate live when Peter Pan starts it Orange County run tomorrow.

A Peek Into Neverland

Members of the Center’s staff had a sneak peek into the intimate threesixtyº Theatre. A bit of theater magic was happening as rigging, lighting and stage machinery were being put in place to create Peter Pan's Neverland and John and Wendy Darling’s bedroom. Above the exit sign are two spot lights. The dark box is one of the 12 special CGI projectors that will help to envelop the actors and audience in scenes of Edwardian London and Neverland and all the other exciting adventures they experience during the Peter Pan show.

Introducing Wendy Darling

Abby Ford plays Wendy Darling in threesixty° entertainment's new production of Peter Pan - a role she originated in London. Before joining the Peter Pan cast, Abby was busy working in British television and theater. She's also appeared on the big screen in movies including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Click on the video above to hear Abby's insights into the character of Wendy. And be sure to check out Abby in Peter Pan when it opens September 28.