Fox Run Elementary to Stage ‘Peter Pan Jr.’

NORWALK, Conn. — Venture to Neverland later this week with Fox Run Elementary School students as they stage two performances of “Peter Pan Jr.”  

Shows will take place Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Fox Run Elementary School, located at 228 Fillow St. 

According to director Traci Greenberg, “Peter Pan Jr.” was selected as this year’s show after Fox Run staged “The Little Mermaid” last spring.

“‘The Little Mermaid’ is a more recent production, and the children knew most of the music,” said Greenberg, a music teacher at Fox Run. “So I wanted to bring back something more classic, and I was Peter Pan when I was in 4th grade, so I wanted to do a little throwback and teach children a more classical-styled production.”

Playing the part of Peter Pan is 4th grader Raihan Dean, while fellow 4th grader Kamyla Hernandez is playing the role of Wendy.

The role of Captain Hook is being played by 5th grader Divino Hernandez (no relation to Kamyla), who is making his stage debut.  

“I had a done a little mini workshop in my music classes to prepare them for auditions, and right away, I knew he had something special,” Greenberg said of Divino Hernandez.

“I actually had to go to bat for him and talk to his family about why I think he would be perfect for the role; they were all for it …  he is doing fantastic,” she added.

A “very large group” of students have been rehearsing for the show since January, after auditions were held in December.

“Any 3rd through 5th graders who can commit to the after-school schedule are allowed to audition, and I take every single one of them, so this group is at 70 students cast and crew,” Greenberg explained.

“I’ve been doing this now for 18 years, and my favorite part is you get to see students in a completely different light,” she said. “I have had students with all different learning needs, and when they get on stage, and they’re reading their lines or singing their parts, you wouldn’t know—they’re all doing their best.”

Greenberg said she has also seen students get “bitten by the bug” after taking part in a show at Fox Run.

“I have had students who, I was their first musical experience, and then they go to college and continue in college because they feel that love of theater and that love of just being up there,” she added. “So I would say my favorite part is just letting children experience something I love so much and I am so passionate about.”

Along with being the show’s director, Greenberg wears many other hats, including musical director, choreographer, set designer and producer.

“Thankfully, I have a wonderful group of parents who volunteer,” she said. “This year, we didn’t get the grant in our district, so my PTA was so generous to donate towards the production so we could continue with props and scenery and things like that; they were very generous to help us.”

Fox Run Principal Carla Monteiro Walsh had high praise for Greenberg and the many students taking part in the show.

“Now in its third year, our passionate and talented music teacher, Traci Greenberg, has established a wonderful tradition at Fox Run. Each year, excitement and anticipation build as students commit themselves to bringing a full-scale musical to life,” said Monteiro Walsh. 

“It’s been incredible to watch their confidence, creativity, and talent blossom throughout the rehearsal process. Mrs. Greenberg’s unwavering dedication and unique ability to bring out the best in every child make this an unforgettable experience for our school. Our cast truly reflects the heart and diversity of Fox Run,” she added.

The principal encouraged folks in the community to check out a performance of the show this week.

“‘Peter Pan Jr.’ is a production full of imagination, heart, and adventure—and our students bring it all to life with energy and joy,” she said. “I encourage everyone in the community to come out, support these remarkable young performers, and experience the magic for themselves. You’ll leave inspired by the talent on stage and the power of what’s possible when students are given the opportunity to shine.”

To purchase tickets, which are $8 for adults and $6 for students, visit here; tickets may also be purchased at the door.