THEATER REVIEW:

Of all the stories written to be read, and ultimately viewed, by children, my personal favorite has long been “Peter Pan.” He never wanted to grow up and, as a child, I didn’t think much of the prospect either.

South Coast Repertory’s Summer Players, composed of members of the company’s Theatre Conservatory from fourth to 12th grades, are presenting a “different” version of the classic J. M. Barrie fable — different in that it contains original music (by composer Hiram Titus) and lyrics (by book author Timothy Mason).

Other than the musical interludes, beautifully staged by musical director Erin McNally, this 90-minute exercise is the same “Peter Pan” we loved as children, with the Darling kids being whisked off to Neverland — they don’t fly, of course, scooters being the choice of liftoff vehicles for this generation.

Director Hisa Takakuwa, who heads the Theatre Conservatory, has fashioned a marvelously engaging production with some interesting casting choices — such as a young girl (Nick Slimmer) for the littlest Darling kid, John, and an African-American actor (Jordan Bellow) to double as the stern but loving Mr. Darling and the villainous Captain Hook.

The latter is, against the odds, a superb choice, as Bellow delivers the strongest performance of the show (as any actor in those roles should). He is nearly matched, however, by Akshay Sharma as the dashing young Pan, here presented as a robust, though egocentric, hero who backs up his braggadocio with fancy swordplay.

The large cast of young people is uniformly splendid, but one lustrous performance stands out. Courtney Kato electrifies as the exotic Indian princess Tiger Lily, a picture of snarling felinity.

Brianna Beach also impresses as Wendy, so frustrated in her attempts to play mother to the brawling band of lost boys while trying to control her younger brothers (Jamie Ostmann and Slimmer).

The lost boys and the pirates are pretty much ensembles, though a few performances are notable. Luke Tagle wins hearts as the needful young Toodles, while Chase Anderson-Shaw has some fine moments as Hook’s right-hand buccaneer Smee.

Other positive impressions are made by Ellis Beardsley as Mrs. Darling, Hannah Sullivan as the cute warrior Slightly and Valentina Gehley, swiping her scenes as the Darlings’ protective canine nursemaid Nana.

Chris Hansen’s multiple-function settings provide a splendid backdrop, while the costumes by a designer only identified as Reagan and the lighting effects of Elisha Griego further enhance the overall enjoyment.

“Peter Pan” is meant to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Both factions should delight in this fine production at South Coast Repertory.

 IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Peter Pan”

WHO: SCR Summer Players

WHERE: South Coast Repertory Nicholas Studio Theatre, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Closing performances 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

COST: $9

CALL: (714) 708-5555 or online at www.scr.org

Kids cavort in NTAC’s sparkling “Aladdin”

Just because the annual summer musical at the Newport Theatre Arts Center is geared toward getting as many young people on stage as possible, don’t imagine that the older, craftier actors are getting short shrift.

There’s always room in an NTAC “kid show” for veteran scenery chewers. In the case of the current “Aladdin and His Wonderful, Magical Lamp,” two performers in that category nearly walk off with the show.

Jack Millis, returning to his former home base, and Teri Ciranna, queen of the character actresses, display their comical acumen with relish — Millis as the villainous magician Jamal and Ciranna as the crabby sultana, the power behind the throne.

Millis, given more stage time, devours the most scenery, occasionally delivering a more modern aside such as a quickie “Laugh-In” moment (which will fly far above the kids’ heads), while giving the younger cast members a presence to aspire to. Ciranna, a specialist at playing wrinkled prunes, dominates her segments as skillfully as she does her henpecked sultan husband (a well-cast Ken Jagosz in the jittery Don Knotts mold).

Aladdin himself is an energetic, self-assured Matt Yee, who announces his presence in song (repeatedly) and recklessly pursues the hand of the lovely princess (Allison Sheppard). He’s aided by his trusty simian companion Alakazam, a tiny but super-charged Parker Lewis, who “can’t lose” his battle for the audience’s attention.

Another standout in the show is Mark Nemeth as the palace executioner who talks like a character from “The Sopranos” as he enforces the royal laws. Rachelle Cole is solid as Aladdin’s concerned mother, while Allie Davidson shines as his younger sister.

John Gillies, another veteran, gets the most out of his subservient role as Millis’ brother and accomplice. Kimberly Lewis is delightful as the story spinner Scherazade, while Shane Cervantes elicits chuckles as a luckless (and spineless) suitor for the princess.

Director Terri Miller Schmidt, returning after a two-year absence to helm the summer show, has assembled a plethora of young bodies on the NTAC stage and moves them about quite fluidly, aided by musical director Joyce Maxson.

Andrew Otero’s adaptable setting provides a convincing backdrop for a story covering a variety of locations. Mitch Atkins (lighting) and Jonna Hutchison (sound) contribute immensely to the show’s success, with a disco ball substituting for Aladdin’s magic carpet.

An ideal show for youngsters, with some comical treats for the oldsters as well, “Aladdin” winds up its brief engagement this weekend.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “Aladdin and His Wonderful, Magical Lamp”

WHERE: Newport Theater Theatre Arts Center, 2502 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach

WHEN: Closing performances at 7:30 p.m. tonight & and Friday at 7:30 p.m., 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 3 & 7:30 and 2 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.

COST: $12

CALL: (949) 631-0288

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays.