Neverland on stage: Daytona Playhouse presents 'Peter Pan and The Hook'

Featuring a cast of 24, the show will open at the Daytona Playhouse at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.

  • Ormond Beach Observer
  • Neighbors
  • Share

How does Capt. Hook feel about losing his hand to a crocodile?

Well, it's all Peter Pan's fault. So, in Ormond Beach resident Kathy Thompson's musical comedy, "Peter Pan and The Hook," the infamous pirate is out for revenge. 

Featuring a cast of 24, the show will open at the Daytona Playhouse at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, with shows also scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 13, 19 and 20. This is the third time Thompson, who is the president of the Daytona Playhouse Executive Board, has put on this production. 

"It's different every time because of what [the cast] brings to it," Thompson said.

Starring as Capt. Hook is Anthony Azarello, of Port Orange. This is his first theatre production. 

Several Ormond Beach residents are in the cast as well, including Maya Rice (Wendy Darling), Joseph Kaney (Peter Pan), Max Steinberg (John Darling), Iliana Pffefer (Mrs. Darling/Island princess), Juliana Herrin (Island princess), Sadie Steinberg (pirate) and Daliangy Manzano (lost child).

Maya Rice (Wendy Darling), Joseph Kaney (Peter Pan) and Director Kathy Thompson. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Maya, a rising seventh grader at Hinson Middle School, said she originally didn't have a preference for what part she played when she auditioned. But after reading Wendy's lines, she really wanted the role.

"She's very dainty," said Maya, who has been in theatre for four years. "She's very girly, and I'd say, it's very fun paying Wendy. I like her."

The role of Peter Pan gives Joseph, a rising sophomore at Father Lopez Catholic High School, a chance to play a character who is happy all of the time.

"He's very positive, and he doesn't really let anything get to him too much," Joseph said. "Even when he's faced with really big danger from Hook trying to really just get him back, he doesn't really let it get to him, and I think that's a really cool character."

He's been in theatre since the second grade. 

Some changes Thompson made from the original Peter Pan story include incorporating a Polynesian theme and the island princesses. Her production was first performed in 2013, and then again in 2018. 

There's too many scenes she looks forward to seeing audiences enjoy, but a crowd favorite is typically the crocodile, Thompson said.

"I always wait with baited breath when the crocodile first comes out," she said, and with a laugh, added, "The audience always freaks out because of what he is carrying when he comes out."

Tickets for "Peter Pan and the Hook" cost $15 for adults and $10 for youth. Visit daytonaplayhouse.org.

 

Latest News

  • December 4, 2025
Bond discussion leads Volusia County Council to seek information on Volusia Forever acquisition list, funding process
  • December 4, 2025
Flagler County detective arrested in Ormond Beach, police say he fled from traffic stop
  • December 4, 2025
Beach bone-anza: Volusia County celebrates new dog beach in Daytona
  • December 4, 2025
Matanzas High School's Remy Battles wins Leaders 4 Life Fellowship
×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.