Pirates, fairies, mermaids and the magical world of Neverland come to the stage as the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet-Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley presents the world premiere of “Peter Pan, The Ballet,” 2 p.m. May 28, 29, Baker Hall, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

The full-length ballet, based on the classic children’s novel, “Peter and Wendy,” published in 1911 by Scottish author J.M. Barrie, takes the audience on a journey of adventure with beloved characters Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lilly and the Lost Boys. Oh, and by the way, there’s also Captain Hook.

With exciting aerial flying effects, new sets and costumes, and digital backdrops, “Peter Pan” promises to awe audiences of all ages. The 90-minute performance is billed as a family-friendly, comedic ballet.

“We originally were slated to do this in May of 2020. It’s one of the larger productions that we’ve done, other than our ‘Nutcracker,’” says Pennsylvania Youth Ballet-Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley Artistic Director, Karen Kroninger-Knerr, who choreographed the ballet. The production was postponed because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shutdown.

“I’m just so excited about this production,” says Knerr. “All the sets are new. We have the whole Darling [children] bedroom scene with the big window where Peter Pan can fly in. We are doing full-flying effects by ZFX Flying Company.”

The digital backdrops are expected to give added visual delight. Captain Hook’s pirate ship rocks from side to side, and the lagoon scene has a waterfall.

“It’s such a wonderful, fun story,” says Knerr. “It appeals to the child in everyone. It’s for anyone who never wants to grow up, which I think is all of us.”

There is a cast of more than 80 professional, pre-professional and PYB-BGLV student performers. All 13 Lost Boys will be played by male student dancers.

Guest artist is David Shively-Ertas as Captain Hook.

“It’s important to note that while there are orchestral versions of Peter Pan that have been created for ballet, what I’ve done is collated all the music using various British composers,” says Knerr.

“That was quite a challenge, but fun, to make all the ideas come to fruition that I had in my head and make them match the music.”

As a bonus, there will be “Adventure Through Neverland,” a free event for audience members immediately following the performance. No pre-registration is required.

“The audience can visit the Darling children’s bedroom and meet the cast, like Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook. They can venture throughout the theater to meet different characters.”

Every ballet program will include a map of Neverland so that audiences can take photos with cast members.

“Peter Pan” is a timeless story that enchants every generation with its tale of childhood myth, danger and swashbuckling adventure.

“Plus, you have that wonderful, endearing quality of Wendy, who is always a mother figure, either to her brothers or to the Lost Boys when she ventures into Neverland with Peter,” says Knerr. “It has so many themes that speak to everybody.”

The cast includes Olivia Quiros (Peter Pan), 11th grade, Allentown Central Catholic High School; Sarah Bailey (Wendy Darling), 12th grade, Lehigh Valley Charter Arts High School; Gwendolyn George (Tinkerbell), 10th grade, Northwestern Lehigh High School; Mai Hukuoka (Tinkerbell), 11th grade, Parkland High School; Zeby Fraser (John Darling), 7th grade, Broughal Middle School; Manny Fraser (Michael Darling), Second grade, Donegan Elementary School, and Kristopher and Joyce Yoder (Mr. and Mrs. Darling).

BGLV alumnae Olivia Lovell performs as Tiger Lily.

Shively-Ertas, a Bethlehem native, is a junior at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., pursuing a pure math major, comparative philosophy minor and dance performance minor. He is a member of Vassar Repertory Dance Theater and received dance training at Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley, where he performed in annual productions of “The Nutcracker” and spring performances. He attended The Rock School’s summer intensive, Philadelphia, and the Male Dance Conference, New York City.

“Everybody needs to get out and enjoy the theater,” says Knerr. “It’s a great way to escape, to be put in a better mood, and be transformed to a different place. Come join us in Neverland.”

Tickets: www.zoellnerartscenter.org; 610-758-2787