For the past two nights, the Maltz Theatre’s Conservatory for the Performing Arts (COPA) in Jupiter has performed J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s tale, Peter Pan. Ironically, this was a children’s tale performed by children to appeal to the child in all of us. This two-day production featured 82 kids who had attended a 3-week acting camp sponsored by COPA. And the play was their season’s denouement.The children were, of course, adorable. But what was so remarkable was the level of quality of the production, in view of the prep time and age levels involved. Naturally, the sets were utterly professional and completely delightful, as was the music. But so, too, were the casting, acting, choreography and direction.

Christina Reagan, a would-be thespian since the age of 5, played Peter with confidence, stage presence and a rather remarkable singing voice for an 11-year-old. She hit every note with skill few adults could match. Her archenemy, Captain Hook, played by Spencer Ballantyne, showcased his burgeoning talent with several singing numbers of his own. And Sydney Carbo, as Wendy, was a remarkably skilled young actress with a surprisingly mature singing voice. And the rest of the cast, ages 10-12, followed suite.

Judy Gelman, the director and choreographer, is to be congratulated many times over. What she did with those kids in a 3-week timeframe was simply not to be believed. So I can only imagine what is achieved by students who attend COPA’s private study, drama classes and theatre company. Those programs are available to schoolchildren through high school age during the regular school year. 

COPA’s programs are further validation of what Jupiter offers both parents and children in the way of cultural development. Each performance was a sellout…and rightly so!

For more information on COPA for your children, go right to jupitertheatre.org. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.

For more information on cultural life in Jupiter and the surrounding area, go to liveinjupiter.com. Then make the move to do so!