When it comes to Mineola High School, the performing and fine arts department never says never, especially lately. That's because next weekend the school's auditorium will be transformed into "Never Never Land" when the high school's performing and fine arts department will put on a production of Peter Pan.

Each year, the department stages a drama and a musical. With the production of the drama - The Diary of Anne Frank - behind them, students and faculty members of the drama and fine arts department turned their attention to the musical. This year, the department is making sure the year will end with a bang.

Normally, numerous hours go into a production, but Peter Pan poses its unique challenges, mainly enabling the actors to fly, a first for Mineola.

Director of fine and performing arts Rob Ratner said the district employed Fly by Foy, a company that specializes in the technical aspects of enabling characters to take to the air.

"It's going to be very exciting. The kids are excited," said Mr. Ratner.

There are 82 students involved in the production of Peter Pan, as well as parents and alumni members who will assist in making Peter and his friends elevate above the auditorium stage.

Musicals generally involve more crew than dramas, but Peter Pan, involved almost the whole school community, from students from the middle school and elementary schools who will be a part of the play to Mineola High School Principal Dr. Michael Nagler, Assistant Superintendent John Jackson and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Larry Licopoli, who gave the go-ahead for the drama department to fly the characters.

Leading the student cast and production team will be Ed Murray, who is directing and choreographing the entire production; Vaughn Fritts, the vocal music director; Don Carreras, the pit orchestra director; assistant director Maureen Connolly and stage manager Nicholas Fusco.

For Murray, Peter Pan is always a production he wanted to direct because of the challenge it poses. "It's a fun show for kids. In order to do it justice, you need the flying. I feel that it's such an integral part of the show," he said. "I'm sure the kids that are going to be flying are very excited and anxious at the same time because they don't know what to expect. We all don't really know what to expect."

Danielle Mittleberg, who is playing Peter Pan, said she is looking forward to flying since it should be her favorite part of the play.

Although those working on the production may not know what to expect, if the play is a product of the effort being put in, it should be a smashing success. It seems those involved in the play are doing their best to make it a top production, from the sets, being built by master carpenter Paul Sommer to a colorful and artistic backdrop, created by Erica Nemser and some of her students.

The play will be performed at the Mineola High School auditorium on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 22, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and children under 12. Call 739-4179 for information.

The cast and crew have had fun putting the play together. Now, they hope it will soar as high as Peter, Wendy and the rest of the gang.

Peter Pan Cast

Wendy: Yesenia Tromp

John: Matt Badger

Liza: Sarah McKeever

Michael: Muireann Phelan

Nana: Diana Caporaso

Mrs. Darling: Neil Dusling

Peter Pan: Danielle Mittleberg

Lion: Melissa Rafferty

Kangaroo: Lisa Granath

Ostrich: Kelly Dougherty

Captain Hook: Neil Dusling

Smee: Matt Shanahan

Crocodile: Kirstie Kwarteng

Tiger Lily: Samantha Valdellon

Wendy Grown-Up: Christine Dougherty

Jane: Katie Hughes

The Pirates

Cecco: Eileen Priboy

Jukes: Jessica Donahue

Mullins: Candi Sterling

Noodler: Michael Frame

Starkey: Kristen Lapoff

Michelle Moratto

Antonia O'Brien

Linda Walker

James Walker

The Lost Boys

Curly: Susan Hahn

Nibs: Tim Palma

Slightly: Soon-Jung Fong

Tootles: Katie Hughes

Red: Kenny D'Elia

Alexander Arellano

Diana Caporaso

Doug Cunningham

Daniel Dougherty

John Dougherty

Sean Dougherty

Lauren Granath

Anthony Nicaj

Eric O'Brien

Marissa Peralta

Kenny Rauert

Jess Rowan

Kenneth Tso

The Indians

Kelly Dougherty

Lisa Granath

Jessica Handibode

Kirstie Kwarteng

Sarah McKeever

Jessica Petraglia

Katie Polizzi

Janine Posillico

Carilyn Priolo

Melissa Rafferty

Nicole Reda

Jessica Santopetro

Carina Teixeira

Jill Tognelli

Jessica Valente

Lu Vokshi