Family finds common interest in Neverland

John and Jennie Wells and their children, Jillian and Connor, are all part of this week's production of Peter Pan. The family lives in Holts Summit.
John and Jennie Wells and their children, Jillian and Connor, are all part of this week's production of Peter Pan. The family lives in Holts Summit.

HOLTS SUMMIT, Mo. - Four members of the same family are part of a production of "Peter Pan - The Musical," performed through Saturday by The Little Theatre at the Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City.

"We've been involved in theater for many years," said John Wells, of Holts Summit, who plays the character Mr. Smee. "My wife and I have done Peter Pan for about two years now."

Jennie Wells, he said, is the production manager. Their daughter Jillian, 11, plays Jane, a kangaroo and an American Indian. Their son, Connor, 9, plays the Lost Boy Nibs.

"It's a fun story because it has a bunch of kids," Wells said, adding Jillian will get to fly through the air on wires as Jane.

"It's been really fun for her," he said. "We love bringing the family in whenever possible, and the kids really enjoy it."

"Peter Pan" is a musical adaptation of J.M. Barrie's story about a boy who never grows up. The three children of the Darling family receive a visit from Peter Pan, who takes them to Neverland, where an ongoing war between Peter's gang of ragtag runaways and the evil pirate Captain Hook is taking place. This forever-young musical is a family-friendly favorite.

The music is by Mark "Moose" Charlap, with additional music by Jule Styne, and the lyrics were written by Carolyn Leigh, with additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

"The theater seats about 1,000 people," said Wells, who manages social media for the Missouri State Lotto when he's not on stage. "It's like working two jobs this week, seems like."

The curtain will go up at 7:30 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. Saturday at 501 Madison St., Jefferson City.

More information about the production is online at tltjc.org.