Commedia del Arte hopes to offer audiences a tale from classic literature – one with fearsome pirates, brave boys, bedtime stories and high-flying fun. “The Original Tale of Peter Pan” soars onto the stage May 26 in Loxley.

According to director Shari Prestwood, the play lends to the traditional story instead of newer, animated versions.

“'The Original Tale of Peter Pan' is an original script based largely on Barrie's work, which we endeavored to follow closely, and depart from the contemporary Disney storyline,” she revealed. “We're working to benefit the National Federation of the Blind of Mobile, as we did with last fall's production of 'Sherlock Holmes and the Haunted Theatre.'”

Traditional elements in the play still provide a colorful cast of characters that will delight a varied audience, she offered.

“Peter Pan is a family friendly production suitable for all ages; as Wendy tells her brothers, there are, 'Pirates, Indians and Faires' in the realm of Peter Pan,” she said. “Some of our pirates are volunteers from the Mobile re-enactment group, The Kingdom of Dragoncroft, lead by Nancy Johnson. There's plenty of magic to go around, as well as a fight between Pan's Lost Boys and Hook's Pirates.”

Nicole Schlaudecker handles media communications for Commedia and offered an inside look at the play and her role.

“This is my 11th season with Commedia del Arte and I'm expecting 'Peter Pan' to be one of our best plays yet,” she exclaimed. “It's entertaining and fun, and Shari's done another excellent job adapting a literary treasure for the stage. I play Smee in the show, and so far it's been a lot of fun. I can't wait for opening night.”

To witness the magical world where children never grow up, Commedia offers an opportunity to audiences: 4:30 p.m., May 26 at Loxley Civic Center
, 4198 Municipal Park Drive. Adult tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance. Tickets for children 10 and younger cost $5; the play is free for children 5 and younger.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the National Federation of the Blind. For advance tickets and information, visit www.commediadelarte.org or call 251-510-0654.