James Presley and “The Magical World of Peter Pan:” 
James Presley:  Director, playwright, and composer. My research on the beloved tale of Peter Pan began in 2015 when I embarked on extensive research into the works of James M. Barrie. This research ultimately led me to my first major foray into the world of Peter Pan in 2019, with a production at the Summerlin Performing Arts Center. This initial success laid the groundwork for what would become a deeply personal and creatively fulfilling project. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I dedicated myself to further developing the story, drawing inspiration from Barrie's 1901 novel The Little White Bird (also published separately as Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens). The result was a meticulously scripted and musically scored two-act show that offers audiences both a prequel to the classic tale and the beloved story itself. Act 1, entitled Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, explores the backstory of Peter Pan, revealing the origins of the boy who would never grow up. Act 2 brings the audience into the familiar world of Neverland, where Peter's adventures with Wendy, John, Michael, and the Lost Boys unfold. I carefully removed the darker elements of the original story, focusing instead on the magical, whimsical, and heartwarming aspects that make Peter Pan a timeless classic. This project is currently in progress.