Interview: Fernando Dente from PETER PAN, TODOS PODEMOS VOLAR at Teatro Gran Rex

On December 27, 1904, Scottish writer James Matthew Barrie opened on a London stage his work called 'Peter Pan and Wendy'. In 1905, Broadway made its first adaptation of the tale; and just in 1911 it became the historic children's book that reached every corner of the world. Peter Pan took as many forms as years passed since that premiere on the early twentieth century. The story of the child who doesn't want to grow and who lives in Neverland, it will always be a good excuse to go back to our childhood for a while. This time, the opportunity to live this story comes with 'Peter Pan, todos podemos volar' (We all can fly) , a musical produced by MP Producciones, which will take place during the Argentinian Winter Break at the Gran Rex Theater. The show had a very successful first season last winter with thousands of spectators per show; the Argentinian audience was begging for it to come back!

I had a great time talking with Fernando Dente, the young man who plays Peter. Fernando is currently perfectioning his talents in NYC where we met for an exquisite interview!

"In Peter Pan, Todos podemos Volar'' you are going to experience the same old story but in a much more intense way. We love how the audience react to the show, people scream, jump... It is incredible what this story generates," laughs Fernando Dente, who dreamed of this role since the age of 14, and swore to himself that one day he would play it. "I saw this show at the Opera Theater when I was 14. I told my mother that I needed money because I was going to go out with a girl, but it was a lie, I bought the ticket and went to the show. It was a very special moment for me because I was just beginning to study theater; I left the theater amazed".

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Fer was born on January 7, 1990 in Buenos Aires. He is an argentinian actor, singer, dancer, theater director and TV presenter. He is known for winning the Disney Channel reality show ¨High School Musical: La selección¨ and later for his main role in¨ High School Musical: El desafio¨. He made his first appearance in Calle Corrientes (Argentinian Broadway) as Link Larkin in the musical Hairspray. He then performed in several musicals: Swing Time , Spring Awakening, Sweeney Todd , Musicool , Un Perro en la luna de Tennessee Williams, The Sound of Music , Tango Feroz , Tanguito Mio and Next To Normal. Recently he was part of a great project "Next to Casi Normales" with performances of Broadway guest Artists Alice Ripley and Jennifer Damiano.

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"Peter Pan, Todos podemos Volar" makes me connect with my essence, with my beliefs, with what my mom taught me as a boy, with hope, conviction, and optimism over worry and complaint", Said Fer while enjoying a very yummy looking NYC hot chocolate.

I asked him if he relates to Peter's character and he said "Not really, It was a challenge for me to play Peter but what I think that actually brings me closer to him is not his refusal to grow up but his refusal to stop flying".

"The group of performers on stage is the best possible cast Peter Pan could have had, the ensemble is unbelievable. Everybody shows so much love and a commitment towards this project that makes me extremely proud to be part of such a beautiful production".

So the show is coming back in July 2017 right after you finish your studies in NYC, Are there major changes to the show? Surprises? anything you would like to tell me?

Yes! I am so excited that the show is coming back! There are going to be tiny changes but mainly the story and production will remain the same. It was such a success last year that we want to give the same experience to those who couldn't see it yet.

Is it true you had to choose between buying an apartment or studying in NY? What does it mean for you to be studying in NY?

Yes, it is true. I felt it was time for growing, learning and for new experiences, so I came to NY seeking all those things. I've been in the city before but only for a week or so, this is the first time I am actually living here and it feels amazing, I can't put it into words. I am even liking this really low temperatures, none-existent in Argentina. The performing classes that I am taking are incredible, is a tough schedule with a lot of homework and research, but in a good way. I couldn't be happier, I am living a dream.

How are you going to get ready for Peter Pan? Are you going back to Argentina to rehearse?

I will be here in NY almost until the opening week. I will start rehearsing 2 months before going back to Buenos Aires. I know the show really well, and I know how to get ready for it.

How would you describe the show for those who hadn't seen it yet?

PETER PAN TODOS PODEMOS VOLAR' is an exciting and magical show for all the members of the family; it is a show that encourages you to dream and to believe.

Apparently it only remains to go see the "astonishing splashes of colour" that PETER PAN, TODOS PODEMOS VOLAR will offer next July, Can't wait for it!

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