The Utah Metropolitan Ballet will present “Peter Pan” from March 3-6 at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo.

In addition to regular performances, a free show for families affected by autism will be held at 5 p.m. on March 6. This showing is presented and directed particularly for children who need a more calm and softer introduction to the theater and ballet.

There has been an overwhelming response from parents to have these performances, according to Autumn Cook, UMB employee.

An original ballet choreographed by Jackie Colledge, founder and artistic director of UMB, the show features music composed by Silvio Amato and original costumes by Suellen Baum.

Following the classic storyline of the boy who refuses to grow up, this show includes all of the fairy tale’s classic moments — Peter flying across the stage, the crocodile creeping out from the wings and multiple set changes from the Nursery to Neverland, the Mermaid Lagoon and the Jolly Roger, the press release noted.

A great show for families, the audience even gets a part, clapping to save Tinkerbell’s light in the moment of crisis. Cheering is welcome as Peter engages Hook in the final dramatic sword fight, according to Cook.

The show features the technical strength characteristic of UMB’s performances, along with plenty of humor and even some emotional acting.

Peter Pan will be played by UMB principal dancers Stephen Kessler and Cyrus Shaskan, with Wendy performed by Amy Cook and Hallie Jo Johnson, and Princess Tiger Lily by Jennifer Christie, Shelbi Yagi and Emeline Terranova.

Captain Hook will be played by special guest artist Johnny Zhong, who’s son will share the stage with his dad as Michael, with Pyper Colledge as John.

Shows will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 3, 4 and 6, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available through the UMB website or the Covey Center website.

Families interested in the autism-friendly showing are invited to request tickets by calling 586-651-3985 or email at jenniferveit19@gmail.com.

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