A line from the popular family musical Peter Pan affirms, “Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough.”

Anyone dreaming of attending a classic family musical with cross-generation popularity will see those dreams come true this summer as Newtown-based NewArts has announced its audition schedule for Peter Pan — The Musical.

The popular tale has mesmerized countless children of all ages since the original J.M. Barrie production and subsequent novel published in the early days of the 20th Century. Its Disney cartoon treatment, numerous televised versions, Tony-winning 1954 Broadway debut (starring Mary Martin as Peter), and revivals in 1979 and 1990 have kept the whimsical story of a boy who did not want to grow up — and who could fly — alive.

NewArts performances are scheduled for the weekends of July 31 and August 7. The production will again be staged in the theater of Masuk High School in Monroe. Auditions have been set for April 3-5 at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

Rehearsals are anticipated to ramp up around June 15, according to NewArts Producing Creative Director Michael Unger. Activities around the production revolve around a performing arts camp that extends from June 15 to July 31, with sessions Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.

NewArts Executive Director Raiza Herrera-Arnone said the easiest way for anyone interested in auditioning or participating to learn more is to visit the group’s Facebook site, facebook.com/newartsorg, which will link visitors to sign-ups and other audition information.

Mr Unger told The Newtown Bee he is looking forward to bringing this legacy musical to NewArts audiences after a string of more contemporary summer musicals in recent years including the organization’s initial project, Seussical The Musical, as well as School of Rock, Matilda, and Newsies.

“We haven’t yet done a classic musical in favor of doing more new-ish or contemporary productions,” he said. “Doing a golden-age show, there’s so much to teach the kids about, including exposing them to great writers.”

He said the decision to stage Peter Pan this summer was also a no-brainer.

“This year was probably the least challenging and complex in terms of the decision, because it was my backup last year if we were unable to secure the rights for Matilda,” Mr Unger said. “So it was sort of waiting to happen, and was easier than making the decisions on the other shows I’ve selected because it was actually pre-selected last year.”

The NewArts director said Peter Pan will fill seats due to its universal popularity. It will also incorporate the level of special effects that have become a hallmark of the local organization’s shows including making cast members fly. But Mr Unger also has a few ideas to help make the summer production very special.

“Whenever I’ve seen Peter Pan, the set is almost exactly the same, he said. “That’s to accommodate the flying. So my set designer is already at work trying to do something completely different that will be unique to our production.”

Mr Unger said he will plan to include 80 to 100 young cast members, along with dozens of other short- and long-term volunteers to fill technical support and production jobs.

He said Peter Pan also fits well with the NewArts mission of “fostering well-being in children by instilling grit and resilience through a character development program coupled with high-level mastery experiences.”

“It’s about someone who refuses to grow up,” Mr Unger said. “So there is the appreciation of the child in all of us, and beginning to face the tough lessons about growing up that we all have to learn, lessons the Newtown community had to learn rather suddenly. So it’s a production that captures the joy of childhood with the reality of transitioning toward adulthood — albeit in a very fun way.”

He said the best theater “not only entertains but teaches us something or makes us think of something in a different way. Peter Pan has its lessons, but it also has its fun.”

In offering some tips ahead of auditions, Mr Unger said, “We love to see kids be kids, instead of seeing them try to be acting. We want to see their true personalities — being themselves. I’ve always prided myself in casting real kids in real parts. I love to see real personalities out there.”

Mr Unger also told The Bee that he is looking forward to NewArts presenting a reimagined version of the organization’s popular holiday production of A Christmas Carol at Edmond Town Hall this December. More details are expected soon, including summer audition dates.

Ahead of the release of further audition and production information, anyone interested in learning more about NewArts and its signature ARC character and leadership development track, or seeing images and videos of past productions, can visit newarts.org.