LEWISTON — “Peter Pan” will fly into the Lewiston Middle School auditorium on Friday, Aug. 6, when Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre presents a major production of the classic musical.

Sydney Browne appears as Peter Pan. Casting a young female in the role of Peter Pan carries on the tradition initiated by Mary Martin when the show opened on Broadway in 1954.

The musical show is known to many through prize-winning NBC telecasts in 1955, 1956 and 1960, followed by releases on DVD.

“The show has a dastardly Captain Hook, although it is definitely a great family show,” said director Richard Martin. John B. Nutting plays Hook, a role originated by Cyril Ritchard. Martin said Nutting’s “elegance of diction” is delightful.

Rachel Powell plays Wendy, the Darling family daughter who flies with Peter to Never Never Land.

“It’s one thing for actors to act, but quite something else when they have to learn to fly,” Martin said.

The feat of actually flying on stage is accomplished with the help of “Flying by Foy,” a firm that has provided amazing special effects for Broadway, the Olympics and Cirque du Soleil. Representatives of the firm came to Lewiston to set up the apparatus and provide three days of intensive training for the cast members who will fly. A half-dozen volunteers will be responsible for the flying action in each show.

Flying is not the only marvelous effect the audiences will see in this “Peter Pan” production. Martin said the crocodile that pursues Captain Hook is 14 feet long.

“We have some other surprises for the audiences,” Martin said. “The pirates’ dance is hilarious.” He also noted that some special effects are in the works to bring Tinker Bell to the stage.

It takes a lot of set changes to convey the wondrous scenes in “Peter Pan.” When Peter and the children of the Darling family first take flight, there is a smooth transformation of the bedroom scene into a sky filled with stars and clouds as they head to Never Never Land, Martin said.

The show also requires several other challenging sets — the pirate ship, Indian camp and the underground home of the Lost Boys.

Martin said the show’s costumers are doing an exceptional job. Besides pirates and Indians, there are a few animals cavorting on the stage.

Music from “Peter Pan” includes many familiar tunes, including one of Martin’s favorites, a tender rendition of “Never Never Land,” by Browne. She has a rich voice and embodies the physical characteristics of the perpetually young Peter, Martin said.

Other musical and dance highlights of “Peter Pan” include “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won‘t Grow Up,” “I’m Flying,” “Hook’s Tango,” and “Tender Shepherd.”

Portraying the Darling family are Oliver Hall as Michael, Keenan Soule as John, Ken Mansur as Mr. Darling, Jennifer McClure-Groover as Mrs. Darling and Sophie Wallace as Nana, the family’s loyal dog.

Dan Crawford portrays Hook’s first mate, Smee. The role of Tiger Lily is played by Sydney Hancock. Other members of the large cast are Grace Powell, Kelsie Davidson, Sarah Fensore, Olivia Mayo and Paige Weber as Indians; Joshua Oakes, Dante Baskett, Connor Crawford, Drew Masse, Garrett Soule and Zachary Fisher as Lost Boys; Melissa Hall Sundell as Liza; Robert Baskett as Noodler; Garrett Crawford as Cecco; Isabella Doucette-St. Onge as Jane; and Richard Russell as a pirate.

Christine Doucette appears as an ostrich; Chantel Raymond is a gazelle; and Wallace is a lioness.

Karen Mayo is producer; Beth Barefoot is musical director; and Elizabeth Hansen is choreographer, assisted by Kira Gavin. Dave Holinger is technical director; Ashley Jewell and Patrti Gray are costumers; and Chad Gagnon is lighting designer. Martin is set designer.

“Peter Pan” is one of the world’s most celebrated musicals. It has all the charm of James M. Barrie’s book. The show’s lyrics are by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green; and music is by Mark Charlap and Jule Styne.

Go and do

WHAT: “Peter Pan”

WHO: Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre

WHEN: 8 p.m. Aug. 6-7 and 13-14; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12; and 2 p.m. Aug. 8 and 15

WHERE: air-conditioned Lewiston Middle School Auditorium, 75 Central Ave.

TICKETS: call 783-0958 or visit www.laclt.com