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University Daily Kansan
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1964
Read and Use Kansan Classifieds
Peter Pan Conveys Message To Everyone Who is Young
Who ever heard of a fairy tale with a message?
Sir James M. Barrie created "Peter Pan" not only as children's entertainment, but to teach children and adults that everyone should retain the spirit of adventure and joy of youth, even when they have grown old, according to Jed Davis, associate professor of speech and drama.
This fantasy will be produced as the first play in the Children's Theatre series Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Prof. Davis is directing the production.
BARRIE'S FANTASY tale of Peter Pan's adventures in Never Land, "the place where all the adventures you ever dreamed about can happen," is traditionally produced near Christmas time. Prof. Davis said.
Prof. Davis explained that the play's central concept is the necessity of coping with "growing pains." Barrie's whimsical treatment of the road from infancy to adulthood is visualized as a "return from Never-Never Land."
"It is a good play to see at this time of year," Prof. Davis said. He feels that people who see the play will feel better for having seen it.
"WE LIVE in such a realistic age," he said. "A bit of fantasy and whimsy is something we all need. We need to be reminded that Never-Never Land exists for everyone."
Three sets were designed for the play by James Harrington, faculty designer. The sets will be similar to illustrations found in children's books at the turn of the century.
The play, with a cast of 36, will be produced with the costuming and special effects that have been famous since Mary Martin soared across a Broadway stage as Peter Pan, Prof. Davis said.
Rick Friesen, Prairie Village senior (Peter Pan); Jane Evans, Leawood junior (Michael); John Erickson, Kansas City, Mo., senior (John); and Wynne Goff, Lawrence senior (Wendy) will "fly" to Never Land via an elaborate system of ropes and pulleys. Their costumes will conceal "flight jackets" attached to ropes Prof, Davis said.
"WEVE HAD a real technical problem in rigging up the flight scenes," Prof. Davis said. "The flight jacks keep ripping."
Tinker Bell, Peter Pan's fairy companion, will be portrayed by a blinking light darting around the
Three matinee and three evening performances will be given in the University Theatre. Matinee performances will be given for children in Lawrence schools. However, tickets for all six performances are available at the Murphy Hall box office. Prof. Davis said.
stage, rather than a live actor, Davis said.
"Achieving whimsy and fantasy in this apparently simple play has been a challenge," he said. Prof. Davis feels that the production problems have been ironed out, however.
RATHER THAN train a dog to portray Nana, the canine nursemaid in the fairy tale, Frank Cox, Pleasanton freshman, was chosen to play the dog who takes care of the Darling children.
Cox will also portray the crocodile who had a taste for Captain Hook, the pirate captain in Never Land.
Illustrating the fantasies of Never-Never Land through characterizations and technical magic made the KU production "the most difficult I've ever done." for Prof. Davis.
"Peter Pan" will also be performed at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kan., and the Music Hall in Kansas City, Mo.
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Guest Scholar to Talk
Prof. Dumas Malone, visiting Phi Beta Kappa scholar for 1964-65, will present two public lectures Thursday and Friday.
An American historian and biographer of Thomas Jefferson, Prof. Dumas will speak Thursday on "Jefferson and Our Time" at 4:30 p.m. in the Forum Room of the Kansas Union.
ALPHA, THE KU chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, will have a tea at 3:45 p.m. in the Watkins Room of the Kansas Union preceding the lecture.
"Reflections on Biography" will be the topic of discussion Friday at a meeting of the History club in the Jayhawk Room at 4:30 p.m. A coffee hour, beginning at 4 p.m., will precede the lecture.
While at KU, Prof. Malone will meet with two classes. He will discuss "The Uses of the Past in a Revolutionary Age" in Western Civilization 99, a senior honors seminar in contemporary issues taught by Associate Dean of the College Francis Heller.
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