Male actor to play Peter Pan at the Muny

ST. LOUIS, July 16 (UPI) -- The character of Peter Pan -- traditionally played by women on Broadway -- will be portrayed by a male actor in an upcoming production at the Muny in St. Louis.

The eternal youth from James M. Barrie's Victorian classic has been played by Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby on Broadway, but Francis Jue will play the part in performances of the musical "Peter Pan," starting Monday at the Muny, the nation's oldest and largest outdoor theater, Playbill.com has reported.

Jue created the role of Bun Foo in the Tony Award-winning musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie." He was also seen in the revival of "Pacific Overtures," as well as in the original production of "M. Butterfly."

Directed by Gary John LaRosa, with choreography by Liza Gennaro, "Peter Pan" will run through July 22.

Dozens of actors will appear in the show, which will also feature a 70-member children's chorus.

Based on several chapters in Barrie's 1902 novel, "The Little White Bird," the play "Peter Pan" was first performed in London in 1904, with the hit musical comedy version debuting in 1954 and starring Martin and Cyril Ritchard in the lead roles.