Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Tori Boone

Ballerina Alexis Jones danced into the Darling children's nursery as the mischievous Peter Pan, enticing Wendy, John and Michael to follow her to Neverland.

Gwinnett residents will be enticed to follow, too, as the Northeast Atlanta Ballet stages the classic story of "Peter Pan" this weekend, complete with all the colorful characters of J. M. Barrie's beloved tale about a boy who never grows up.

More than 100 dancers, from tiny ballerinas to teens and older, will perform as pirates, Indians, Lost Boys and more. Five of the characters -- Peter, Tinker Bell and the three Darling children -- will literally take flight over the Performing Arts Center stage.

What will that element add to the ballet?

"A lot of excitement," said 13-year-old Emma Button, one of two dancers playing Tinker Bell. "A lot of people are coming and were asking me, 'Are you guys really going to fly?' Yes, we are."

Jennifer Gordon, artistic director for the Northeast Atlanta Ballet, the official company in residence of the Lilburn School of Ballet, said "Peter Pan" is family-friendly and audiences can expect great scenery, exquisite costumes and professional special effects.

"They will leave the theater with a smile on their face and in their hearts with this wonderful story of friendship," Gordon said. "Expect the unexpected."