Soaring high with imagination and excellence

The much-anticipated Annual Musical-Peter Pan of Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, was staged with great enthusiasm at the school auditorium on December 20, 2025. Set against the warmth of a vibrant winter evening, the event brought together students, parents, facilitators, and distinguished guests for an unforgettable theatrical experience. The play, Peter Pan: A Journey to Neverland, celebrated imagination, creativity, and the timeless spirit of childhood, leaving the audience spellbound from start to finish.    

The programme was honoured by the presence of eminent guests, including Dr VS Garg, Senior Education Advisor, Ms Komal Nathani, Head of School, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld GK-II, Ms. Vandana Bansal, Officiating Principal of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, and Ms Neha Sharma, Vice-principal of Apeejay’s IB School. The auditorium filled with anticipation and excitement. The bay area and the auditorium were thoughtfully adorned with wonderland-inspired décor, creating an immersive setting that instantly transported everyone into the magical world of Neverland.   

The evening commenced on a warm and graceful note, with Ms Riddhi Sharma, English facilitator, Apeejay’s IB School, hosting the event and welcoming the audience with poise. To seek blessings for the evening, a ceremonial lighting of the lamp was held, followed by a heartfelt welcome address by Ms Neha Sharma, who highlighted the significance of theatre in nurturing confidence, collaboration, and creativity among students.  

Taking the centrestage, Ms Neha Sharma shared, “Teach me, and I may remember, involve me and I may learn, she said. “It is a privilege to welcome you to our annual musical, a timeless celebration of imagination, courage, and the joy of believing. At ASI, guided by our mission, we nurture confident, compassionate, and internationally minded learners prepared to shape the future.”  

As an IB continuum school, we believe learning thrives through involvement, and tonight’s performance beautifully reflects experiential learning in action, she added. “We are proud that our recent IB evaluation in September reaffirmed our strong learning culture, student agency, dedicated educators, and meaningful parent partnership.This milestone would not have been possible without your trust and support. Through this production of Annual play today, our students have built communication, collaboration, creativity, confidence, and resilience. So, let us take flight to Neverland and enjoy the magic our children have created,” she said.

Adding context to the performance, Head Girl Tani Bansal introduced the theme of Peter Pan, offering a glimpse into the story’s deeper message of holding on to innocence, courage, and imagination. This was followed by a melodious opening performance by the school choir, which beautifully set the mood for the evening.

The narrative of the play was skilfully carried forward by two student narrators, Tara Sanyal Goswami and Adiya Karimova, who guided the audience through the magical journey of Neverland with clarity and charm. The production was structured into nine thoughtfully designed scenes, each portraying a significant phase of Peter Pan’s journey; from his early beginnings to the fearless, free-spirited character he ultimately becomes. A notable creative choice was the division of major roles between two performers, enabling wider participation and allowing every child to showcase their talent with confidence.

The cast featured Himav Berlia and Navya Gupta as Peter Pan, Anahita Sen and Aarya Nandwani as the lively Tinker Bell, Naumi Panjabi as Nana the dog, Daiwik Khandelwal as the Crocodile, Aahana Mathur and Twisha Krishna as Tiger Lily, Vivaan Verma as Peter Pan’s shadow, Aarush Chawla as John Darling, Vedant Sehrawat as Michael Darling, Alessandra Angela Sandrolini and Ananya Subra Gopalakrishnan as Wendy, Aaditya Nath Mathur as the menacing Captain Hook, Sehajveer Singh as the humorous Mr Smee, Adein Chawla as Mr Darling, and Yishika Gupta as Mrs Darling. Beyond the principal roles, the ensemble of supporting performers played a vital part in bringing the story to life, reinforcing the belief that every contribution mattered. 

Enhancing the visual and emotional appeal of the play was the effective use of sound effects, lighting, and a smoke-filled backdrop, which lent a surreal quality to several scenes. The tribal dance sequence stood out for its energy and coordination, while the students’ confident dialogue delivery reflected hours of dedicated rehearsal. A particularly heartwarming moment came when reception students dressed as fairies, along with male fairies, danced across the stage, instantly capturing the audience’s attention and applause. 

The play concluded by returning to its opening scene, symbolising harmony, growth, and the triumph of joy over conflict. In a delightful finale, the entire cast assembled on stage wearing Christmas caps, singing Christmas carols that filled the auditorium with festive cheer and encouraged the audience to sing and dance along.  

The evening concluded with a ‘vote of thanks’ by Yishika Gupta, School President. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone on this memorable day. We would thank the almighty and fondly remember our Founder-Chairman , Apeejay Stya Group & Apeejay Education Dr Stya Paul. Our gratitude to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University. Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University and Mr Aditya Berlia,  Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University for their visionary support,” she shared.

A sincere thanks went to Dr VS Garg and the corporate office team. “Our appreciation to the entire team of ASI (Arts team, Cultural team, technical team, admin staff and coordinators). Special thanks to Ms Sharma (Vice-principal) and our sincere appreciation goes to support staff for their relentless efforts and behind-the-scenes contributions. Last, but certainly not the least, we thank our wonderful audience for your presence, encouragement, and warm applause,” she added.

Ms Shree, mother of Aahana Mathur & Aaditya Nath Mathur said, “The play was truly excellent, and Peter Pan was presented beautifully. Every character performed their role with confidence and charm. Peter Pan shone as the central character, while Captain Hook and Tiger Lily were equally impressive. Wendy stood out with her warm and graceful portrayal, leading the lost boys with ease, and the brave girls under Tiger Lily’s command were outstanding. The production was thoughtfully executed, with impressive background screens, stage props, and seamless coordination. Heartfelt congratulations to the entire student body and team for delivering such a wonderful and memorable performance.”

“The play was wonderful and clearly reflected how hard the children worked, and it truly paid off. It was a fabulous presentation,” Ms Gurman, mother of Aarya and Krishiv. “An excellent play; it couldn’t have been any better. From the costumes and lighting to the performances, everything was exceptional. It felt wonderful seeing my child on stage. I truly appreciate the school for hosting such events and involving parents. I feel extremely happy and proud,” Mrs Ramya, mother of Ananya and Dhyana, shared.

 The annual musical at the school stood as a powerful reflection of excellence, perseverance, and joy. It beautifully showcased the IB Learner Profile attributes, demonstrating how learning can transcend classroom walls and inspire creativity, collaboration, and confidence, leaving behind memories that will be cherished for years to come.  

The evening concluded with the singing of the National Anthem!