Music Hall 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, you can’t deny the beautiful but unsettling nature of Music Hall, especially considering the southern part of the building was built over a potter’s field and bones have been discovered during various excavations on-site. Those who have worked in the building late at night have reported many instances of paranormal activity, including things like hearing a singing woman; seeing apparitions of guests dressed in old-fashioned clothes; angry, disembodied whispering in the elevators and feelings of being watched. Photo: Aidan Mahoney

On Friday, April 24, a special treat for the young at heart will be premiering at Cincinnati Music Hall.

Step into a world where no one gets older and cunning pirates are out to get you: The spirited story of Peter Pan will be accompanied by a captivating performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ during this event in late April.

Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic play of the same name, Peter Pan was transformed into a silent film in 1924, long before the classic Disney animated film was released in 1953. The family-friendly film follows three siblings who are whisked away to Neverland by Peter Pan, who is stubbornly convinced that the best way to live is by being a kid forever.

Brett Valliant will be on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ for the Friends of Music Hall’s silent showing of Peter Pan. Since studying at Wichita State University with professor of organ emeritus, Robert Town, as well as privately in the U.S. and Australia, Valliant has traveled all across the globe delivering world-renowned performances. Most commonly, his playing accompanies showings of silent films.

All of those attending are encouraged to wear their most enchanting Peter Pan-inspired attire. Come dressed as any of the characters and enjoy this dreamlike show at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall Ballroom.

Tickets are $37 for adults; $31 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more; and $20 for children under 12. Purchase your tickets at cincinnatiarts.org, at the ticket office at the Aronoff Center or by calling 513-621-ARTS.

For more information about the Peter Pan silent film event, visit cincinnatiarts.org.

This article appears in Feb 5-18, 2025.