Move over Shrek and Hulk, Butler has a new green star and he can fly. It is Peter Pan.

The eyes of my seat- mates, ages 3 and 8, could tell more about the opening of The Butler Summer Dramatics production of "Peter Pan" than my words ever could.

Kudos to a hard-working cast and crew for pulling off a vocally and technically challenging production.

The only thing actress Whitney Angeloni did not pull off was getting the audience to believe she was a boy. Sorry, but her engaging stage presence and beautiful smile and voice were a dead giveaway in the gender- bender role. Her energetic performance and her grace in the air were amazing.

Angeloni's vocals on the songs were strong and wonderful, even on one of the most challenging pieces, "Distant Melody." A special nod goes to her fly crew who made taking to the air look so easy.

Brookes Decker, who doubled as Captain Hook and Mr. Darling, was equally amusing in both roles, which he easily made his own.

His delightfully devilish laugh and whimsical ways made him more comical than tyrannical but most enjoyable. His vocals during the taunting duet with Peter, "Mysterious Lady," reminded the audience that this was a singer who can act. Someday, when the lights of Broadway shine on this star, Butler will lose a gem of an actor.

The Darlings were simply, darling. Heather Pate, who played Wendy, did a splendid job as sister to her brothers and mother to the Lost Boys.

How many Lost Boys and Indians can fit on the stage at the Succop Theatre?

The staging for such a huge production had to be somewhat challenging in such an intimate venue, but it worked like a charm. Cleverly using the aisles now and then, the copious amounts of bodies never seemed over the top.

The choreography on the large cast numbers was simple enough to make it manageable for most of the cast. The delightful "Ugg a Wugg" with Peter and Tiger Lily, played by Katie Lewandroski, was extremely well done in voice and step.

Dastardly funny were the pirates and Mr. Smee, whether swabbing the decks and singing praises to Captain Hook or playing a waltz on their phony instruments. The crew did a wonderful job of portraying a bumbling bunch of mates aboard the ill-fated Hook's ship.

Supporting actors Taylor McLaughlin who played Liza, and Kristen Double, who played Mrs. Darling, did a commendable job vocally. McLaughlin displayed fantastic footwork during her point ballet numbers in "Neverland Waltz" and the reprise of "I've Got to Crow."

Many of the wonderful costumes for the American Indians and Lost Boys were actually made by their parents.

Despite the audience on opening night being comprised of family members, the standing ovation was justly deserved. It never ceases to amaze me what some dedicated adults and a myriad of talented, willing young people can pull off each summer for the Butler Summer Dramatics program.

The show is especially entertaining for those who have yet to grow up and for those who are watching them experience Tinkerbell and the host of characters that come to life upon the stage.