Theater Review:

Of all the stories written to be read, and ultimately viewed, by children, my personal favorite has long been “Peter Pan.” He never wanted to grow up and, as a child, I didn’t think much of the prospect either.

South Coast Repertory’s Summer Players, composed of members of the company’s Theatre Conservatory from fourth to 12th grades, are presenting a “different” version of the classic J. M. Barrie fable — different in that it contains original music (by composer Hiram Titus) and lyrics (by book author Timothy Mason).

Other than the musical interludes, beautifully staged by musical director Erin McNally, this 90-minute exercise is the same “Peter Pan” we loved as children, with the Darling kids being whisked off to Neverland — they don’t fly, of course, scooters being the choice of liftoff vehicles for this generation.

Director Hisa Takakuwa, who heads the Theatre Conservatory, has fashioned a marvelously engaging production with some interesting casting choices — such as a young girl (Nick Slimmer) for the littlest Darling kid, John, and an African-American actor (Jordan Bellow) to double as the stern but loving Mr. Darling and the villainous Captain Hook.

The latter is, against the odds, a superb choice, as Bellow delivers the strongest performance of the show (as any actor in those roles should). He is nearly matched, however, by Akshay Sharma as the dashing young Pan, here presented as a robust, though egocentric, hero who backs up his braggadocio with fancy swordplay.

The large cast of young people is uniformly splendid, but one lustrous performance stands out. Courtney Kato electrifies as the exotic Indian princess Tiger Lily, a picture of snarling felinity.

Brianna Beach also impresses as Wendy, so frustrated in her attempts to play mother to the brawling band of lost boys while trying to control her younger brothers (Jamie Ostmann and Slimmer).

The lost boys and the pirates are pretty much ensembles, though a few performances are notable. Luke Tagle wins hearts as the needful young Toodles, while Chase Anderson-Shaw has some fine moments as Hook’s right-hand buccaneer Smee.

Other positive impressions are made by Ellis Beardsley as Mrs. Darling, Hannah Sullivan as the cute warrior Slightly and Valentina Gehley, swiping her scenes as the Darlings’ protective canine nursemaid Nana.