It's a bustling, energy-packed night at the Edwards School in downtown Barnegat, where Our Gang Players is rehearsing for January's production of "Peter Pan".

Carly Nelson (Peter Pan) & Kathryn Coppa (Princess Tiger Lilly) practicing a song from "Peter Pan".

The halls and auditorium are buzzing with activity as the theater company and the nearly the 100 children in the cast get down to work practicing lines, choreography & songs, going through costumes and blocking out scenes for the upcoming beloved musical.

The exciting musical is really an engaging celebration of the spirit of youth...and who better to take us there than Our Gang's Junior Division. With its memorable songs, action-packed scenes & whimsical sets, this show is sure to delight young and old alike...that's one reason why Our Gang chose to take on this production for its Junior Division. There are 97 children in the cast, along with 2 adults in the roles of Mrs. Darling and Captain Hook/Mr. Darling. Stacey Schnepp, Assistant Director and "Mrs. Darling", says "we chose to do Peter Pan because it has great audience appeal and expansion possibilities." Stacey explained that Our Gang doesn't turn any child away that wants to perform. With Neverland full of colorful and exciting characters like pirates, lost boys, indians, enchanted trees, flowers, a kangaroo, ostrich & lion, there's room for everyone! It should be quite thrilling thing to see all of these performers bring the magic of Peter Pan to life right before your eyes.

Our Gang's matriarch and founder, Sherry Schnepp, presides over the group as Artistic Director and is the heart and soul of this -- as well as every -- Our Gang production. She and her theater group has been giving kids (and adults) the opportunity to perform for almost 30 years. She is thrilled to be able to showcase our area's young talent in this beloved & charming production of Peter Pan. "These are all local kids from the ages of 6-12...from Barnegat, Manahawkin, Little Egg Harbor and LBI.", she says proudly.

Sherry and her devoted and talented group of supporters have been putting on quality performances at various locations in our community for nearly 30 years. In fact, Sherry puts the "community" in community theater, believing that it's more than just putting on a show...it's about people getting INVOLVED. She started the group nearly 30 years ago on Long Beach Island with Nancy Gallimore, when Sherry's (then 7-year old) daughter Stacey needed something to do. Stacey remembers their first production. "It was an original show called "Christmas Under The Sea. There were all sorts of great characters & songs in it. We plan on doing it again next year, to mark our 30th anniversary."

The group has practiced and performed in many venues throughout our area, including The new Stafford Township Arts Center's OceanFirst Theater (STAC) which allows spectacular seating for 808 patrons. The Holiday Inn in Manahawkin has created an opportunity for Our Gang to offer a dinner theater experience (A Night on Broadway! coming in January). They also continue to hold performances in the historic town of Barnegat, either at the Barnegat High School theater or the Elizabeth V. Edwards School.

This wonderful asset to our community is a non-profit organization run on a strictly volunteer basis, and is thankful for people & businesses showing their support of its programs featuring more than 175 children, 100 teens and 40 adults annually. Our Gang productions are seen by more than 10,000 people every year. Along with getting involved with Our Gang creatively, you can become an "Our Gang Angel", or donate to "Fred's Fund" -- with all funds used for procurement of a permanent home for the Our Gang organization. To become involved with Our Gang Players, or to make a donation please call 609-597-0553, email OGMAMMA@aol.com, or visit their website - ourgangplayers.com