ARLINGTON —

Along with the five scheduled performances of the Arlington High School production of “Peter Pan,” the high school actors also got up early Nov. 19 to present portions of the musical to all the district’s elementary students.

The two special performances played to an audience of more than 400 children, and the Byrnes Performing Arts Center was nearly sold out during its first weekend, Nov. 14 and 15.

“Peter Pan contains an impressive array of sets, including a near-life-sized pirate ship designed by master mariner Jim Rard, owner Marine Service center of Anacortes and Seattle. Rard, whose daughter Jesse is in the cast, donated nautical materials and hours of his time to ensure the ship both looked authentic as well as meeting the needs of the cast. He was assisted by many parent volunteers, as well as the high school’s stage craft class.

Two city firefighters also got in on the fun, helping the young actors fly using equipment from Flying by Foy, from Las Vegas.

Theater arts teacher Scott Moberly hopes to continue to build his program so that Arlington can take full advantage of the BPAC.

“This year we added a Saturday matinee for those who prefer a daytime showing. And, the entire cast and stage crew took Wednesday off from school for two performances presented to local third- and fourth-graders. That’s the perfect age to introduce children to the theater, and Peter Pan is the perfect play.”