"I Can Fly!"

There’s more than enough on stage to thrill kids from nine to ninety-four: nasty pirates, talking crocodiles, a huge fluffy dog, a mischievous gang of boys, a endearing fairy, and lovable children taken on the adventure of a lifetime. But more than all that, the enduring thrill of "Peter Pan" is flying.

And fly he will all over the stage of the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, as ABA Productions mounts its new version of the timeless favorite in weekends runs currently ongoing until February 4.

J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan first hit the stage over a century ago, in 1904. Thereafter the play was staged annually in London, and later in New York as well. A novel, "Peter and Wendy," was released in 1911. The rights to Peter Pan were given to the Great Osmond Street Hospital in the United Kingdom in 1929.

Fifty years after its debut, Peter Pan gained a worldwide audience when Disney released it as a feature length cartoon. In 2004, on its centennial, the movie about the creation of Peter Pan, "Finding Neverland," was released, starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet.

Also that year, ABA Productions mounted its centennial production of Peter Pan. This new musical version brings "West End values to a much loved classic," creating a version of the musical for a new generation and featuring exuberant new choreography that includes large-scale classical and modern dance sequences. The production played to packed houses in Hong Kong and Singapore, and the 2007 Asian Tour performs in, aside from Manila, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

The cast and production staff include members from several countries, including a Filipino, Amuer Calderon, a former dancer with Ballet Philippines, as musical director.

In time-honored tradition, this production of Peter Pan will benefit local and international charities, including Children’s Hour. "There’s a tremendous amount of goodwill and fond association with Peter Pan," says executive producer Matthew Gregory, "which has something to do with the way proceeds from the show have always helped children in need."

All of us–children of whatever age–are always in need of some pixie dust and fairy magic, and the belief that yes, we can fly!

Catch Peter Pan at the CCP Main Theater on Fridays at 7 pm; Saturdays at 2 and 7 pm; and Sundays at 2 and 6 pm until February 4, 2007. Call TicketWorld at 891-9999.