By Shelley Koppel

Entertainment writer

STUART - Both Peter Pan and Shiloh Theatrical Productions will soar in December when the community theater company, which has been struggling with financial difficulties, stages the musical about the boy who won't grow up.

From Dec. 2-6, the Lyric Theatre will be filled with Neverland, Lost Boys, pirates and a dog named Nana.

Lindsay Davis is directing the production and she spoke recently about the challenges of directing her first show, one in which characters fly.

Ms. Davis has selected Carey Anne Elmquist to play Peter and the choice was an easy one.

"I worked with her in 'South Pacific,' she said. "When I saw her in that, she was like Mary Martin. I grew up on 'Peter Pan' and Mary Martin inspired me. She just jumped out and got me.

"When Carey Anne walked in and read, I knew instantly. She had the same qualities Mary Martin had in the original show."

Shiloh has retained a special effects firm to allow Peter and the other children to fly.

"All of the children are flying," Ms. Davis said. "One of the big things I wanted to get accomplished was to have the 'wow' factor. Shiloh's never done anything like this. I've been with them six, seven years and I'm excited to take it a step beyond."

The show is the classic Broadway musical, not the Disney version.

"All of the characters are in there," Ms. Davis said. "Our Lost Boys are real Lost Boys, not animals. Captain Hook sings. Some of the songs are different. It's similar, but it's not the same."

As is fitting for family entertainment, the show is a family affair.

"My mom, Sarah, has done all the costumes and they're fantastic," the director said. "This is really a family show. We have father-daughter teams, brother-brother teams, even identical twins. It's nice to have these groupings in family show."

There is considerable excitement about this show and the rest of the season, including a salute to Cole Porter, "Red Hot & Cole;" a Big Band salute, "String of Pearls," done in conjunction with the Theatre-Go-Round of Vero Beach; the classic "Finian's Rainbow" and the farce "Lucky Stiff," presented at the Barn Theatre. However, Chris Mazzella, Shiloh's treasurer, could not say if this would be the community theater's last season.

"Shiloh has found the resources to stage this season, but the future is unknown," he said. "We are still totally dependent on ticket revenue and we still haven't gotten the community backing we had hoped for. We have a fighting chance to stay afloat. Our 'Peter Pan' will be entertaining for the entire family."

Shiloh Theatrical Productions presents "Peter Pan" at the Lyric Theatre, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart, from Dec. 2-6. Performances are Dec. 2-4 at 8 p.m., Dec. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28. Call the box office at (772) 286-7827 or order online at www.lyrictheatre.com.