WRAL anchor gets flying lesson from Peter Pan

WRAL Anchor Valonda Calloway recently got a flying lesson from the actress who plays Peter Pan in the North Carolina Theater production of the show.

Gail Bianchi has played Peter Pan for about two years.

“It’s a lot of fun, very exciting, very exhilarating,” Bianchi said.

One of the highlights of her role is flying through the air.

Bianchi makes it look effortless, but there's a lot going on with the crew backstage and cables behind the curtains that audience members don't see.

Bianchi wears a harness that's hooked to a tether under her costume. She and the crew have to be in exact sync.

“It’s kind of nice having complete control over what’s happening on stage,” said stage crew member Alex Thompson.

Once Calloway got an understanding of how to “fly,” crew members let her take to the air. First, they gave her a beginner’s lesson in flying back and forth across the stage.

“Oh, wow! This is so cool!” Calloway said.

She quickly learned to keep good posture, think lovely thoughts and not look at the ground.

Peter Pan is playing at Progress Energy Center in Raleigh through Sunday night.