FAIRHOPE — With a little faith, trust and pixie dust, Neverland and the real world intertwine in Theatre 98's upcoming production of "For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday."

The play tells the story of Ann and her four siblings as they sit with their father in his hospital room during his final moments. His death sparks conversation among the family, and Ann reminisces on the time she played Peter Pan in her hometown theater, made special when her father would bring her flowers after the performance.

"A loving look at a family's view of death, life and the allure of never growing up," the show's description reads.

Heather Delker, director, said she has been a fan of Sarah Ruhl, the author of the play, which inspired the decision to include the show in the 2023 season.

"In this play, she combines real people and the realistic language of how a family talks to each other and mashes it up with some very illogical theatrical magic," Delker said. "She [Ruhl] based the characters on members of her own extended, large, Irish-Catholic family."

According to Delker, the cast is comprised of six actors, all ranging from ages 50s to 70s.

"Most of them are onstage the whole show, and they are a true ensemble," Delker said. "Some of us knew each other and have worked together before, but some are new to Theatre 98. They gelled really quickly and are very believable as a family unit."

Delker said the cast would share personal stories of loved ones while rehearsing for the play to keep the show authentic and connect with each other and bring the story to life.

"My favorite part of rehearsing has been listening to everyone's stories," Delker said. "This play talks about loss, and we all had personal stories to share about our experiences of losing loved ones. There is also a ghost in the play, and some of us had real ghost stories to tell."

Delker said she is most excited for audience members to experience the arc of the show, which mirrors a lifespan as it ranges from childhood innocence to touching moments, humor and grief.

"You may even recognize your own family in the characters," Delker said. "In the last part of the show, the characters somehow end up back in Neverland and have regressed to their childhood selves. I hope it is a show audiences will appreciate as entertainment but then talk about afterwards."

Performances will be held on Oct. 6-8, 13-15 and 19-22.

For more information, visit theatre98.org or call (251) 928-4366.