Garrett Mitchell Photo
Erica Trykowski plays Peter Pan and Vittoria Swalm plays Tinkerbell.
Garrett Mitchell Photo
Camilla Escobar plays one of the pirates.
Garrett Mitchell Photo
Elijah Powell is among the cast members who attended the two-week camp.
The stage adaptation of Disney's Peter Pan begins Friday with free productions the next two weekends, Friday and Saturday, at the Cannon Centre at 7 p.m.
Peter Pan Jr. is this summer's free show produced by the Cultural Arts Council in conjunction with the sixth annual theater’s summer youth acting camp. Cast members participated in the camp.
“This is my favorite program of the year,” Robin Byouk, Cultural Arts Supervisor, said. “It is very exciting to see these children learn how to paint a forty-foot backdrop or make their own costumes.
“The children come to camp for two weeks solid and only have five other rehearsals and we put on the show. It is a unique bonding experience, not only for the children and teachers but for the parents as well."
Each cast member brings its own unique talents to the stage but the goal is the same, to put on a great show for the Greer community.
“This is one of my first leads,” Erica Trykowski, cast as Peter Pan, said. "I've always loved the story of Peter Pan. I watched the Broadway version. My Mom would rent it from the library, the Cathy Rigby version, so when I found out that Greer was doing it I knew I needed to join the camp.”
Vittoria Swalm, who will play Tinkerbell, said the experience is exciting.
“I was really happy because I really wanted this role,” Swalm said. “It’s been very exciting to work with a different cast. I've made so many great friends along the way these past few weeks and it's incredible what we do in just a few weeks."
Byouk said that it's the goal of the Greer Cultural Arts to give back to the community. With the help of sponsors, she said, the free shows are a way for people to experience what may be their only exposure to live theater.
"The Greer Cultural Arts Council's mission is to provide affordable arts to the greater Greer community and so this was a perfect match," Byouk said. "With the help of our sponsors, the City of Greer, Greer Parks and Recreation, the Metropolitan Arts Council, BMW and Bi-Lo, we are able to perform for free."
Want to go?
What: Disney's Peter Pan Jr.
Where: Cannon Center, 204 Cannon Street, Greer
Dates: Friday and Saturday, Aug.14-15 and Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21-22
Time: 7 p.m. (Lobby opens at 6:15 and auditorium at 6:30)
Admission: Free