Maybe it's because most times I was accompanied by my parents and only remember the snacks, or maybe it's the mystique of the theatre's location in Kildonan Park.

Whatever it is, I was delighted at the chance -- like most kids at heart would -- to fly like Peter Pan on Rainbow Stage yesterday with other members of the media in advance of the play's premiere.

Luckily, I had the kid-like size advantage over any of my interested co-workers, who were automatically disqualified because they were too tall.

I'm not exactly the size of the 10-year-old cast members the lifters were used to, but they managed to sway me side-to-side and even bring me back down fairly gracefully.

"It's difficult to lift because the system doesn't actually give a lot of mechanical advantage," said John Shopka, crew chief of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, who helped me fly.

The system for Peter gives a little more support, said Shopka, but generally, "If someone weighs 140 pounds, you're lifting 140 pounds."

UNIQUE STORIES

Penny McMillan, business manager of Rainbow Stage, said she was a little uneasy about setting height and weight restrictions for reporters, but wanted to inspire unique stories.

"When you talk about Peter Pan, everyone talks about flying," she said.

And "often, Peter Pan is played by a woman and it's because of the harness."

Peter Pan takes flight at Rainbow Stage from Aug. 5-29. For tickets, call 989-0888 or go online to rainbowstage.net.

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