The youth and teenagers of Sing Hosanna! are gearing up for their summer production “Peter Panic — The Musical,” opening June 18.

With book by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus, music by Dennis Poore and lyrics by Flip Kobler, the story focuses on a high school that faces budget cuts in the drama and athletic departments.

One solution is to raise money by producing “Peter Pan,” while the other solution is to sabotage the drama department.

The production turns into “Peter Panic” when cheerleaders, football players and students from detention try their hand at acting.

The role of enthusiastic and peppy director of the school play, Pam, is being played by Nikki Ambrose, 15, of Winfield Township.

“Pam is an optimist and always keeps spirits light even when bad things keep on coming her way,” said Nikki, who will be a sophomore at Knoch High School in the fall.

“I always try to look on the bright side of situations, so I love playing such a good-spirited character. Pam also takes charge in most situations, and I feel like I can relate with her strong leadership,” she said.

As the lead in the show, Nikki is learning to delve into the character’s relationships.

“I knew most of the cast prior to this show, so acting on stage with them already feels natural, and I can really bond with their characters,” she said.

There are many parallels between this show and the classic “Peter Pan.”

“Although the plot differs greatly, the heart of the story remains the same: Don’t give up on your dreams; just believe and work hard and you’ll get your happy ending,” Nikki said.

Sean Tweed of Forward Township is portraying James of the drama club.

“He is a boy who is very overly dramatic about everything,” said Sean, 13, who will be in the eighth grade at Seneca Valley Middle School.

“I can relate to the character as I have been told that I am full of drama,” he added.

Sean has been in nine of the Sing Hosanna! shows over the last three years. He last appeared in “Suessical the Musical” as one of the Wickersham Brothers in the spring.

The leader of the Jock squad, Coach Rook, is being played by Malachi Stephenson of Butler, who will be an eighth grader at Butler Intermediate High School in the fall.

The role calls for a forceful person and Malachi is up for the challenge.

“I bring the intensity needed to play the role of a coach and a little humor that is thrown in there. I’m also working on my projection,” he said. “My character wants to stop the drama department so there is more room in the budget for sports.”

Malachi said he is spending a great deal of time listening to the score and learning the music at home.

“There are similarities in the characters in our show and ‘Peter Pan’ such as my character Coach Rook which is a play off of Captain Hook,” Malachi said.

One of the coach’s minions is being portrayed by Jake Orozco, 13, of Petrolia.

“I play Smiley, the goofy assistant coach. He is funny, random and spontaneous,” said Jake, who will be in eighth grade at Karns City High School in the fall.

Jake said he enjoys the comedy. “I like being funny. It’s fun to laugh and be goofy for a role,” he said.

Other actors include Nathaniel Archer, Anna Fabrizzi, Leah Harris, Trey Hixon, Abigail and Max McAuley, and Eden Wirtz.