Pop Quiz: what do you get when you combine a short summer hike into a Rhododendron preserve with live theater under the canopy of conifer trees? You get none other than the Kitsap Forest Theater, an outdoor theater experience found only in the Pacific Northwest. This spring and summer, Kitsap Forest Theater is bringing Peter Pan, Broadway's Timeless Musical; and Tuck Everlasting, The Musical, to audiences willing to hike into the natural amphitheater near Bremerton.

"It's a magical place and a great way to get outside and have a ‘staycation' with the whole family," said Gala Lindvall, producer for Kitsap Forest Theater and a long-time volunteer with the organization. "It's also a great place to get kids away from screens."

Getting youth out of the house and into the world of performing arts and the great outdoors is one of Kitsap Forest Theater's main initiatives. The theater is run by Mountaineers Players, a nonprofit organization that got its start in 1923 (making it one of the oldest nonprofits in the area). Mountaineers Players carry out their mission each year by providing high-quality, outdoor theater and educational programs to the community every spring and summer. It's primarily run by volunteers.

"For each show, it probably takes at least 30 volunteers," said Lindvall, who's been volunteering with Mountaineer Players since 2000. "We have a committee of volunteers, too, who do behind-the-scenes work, and lots of volunteers who usher, sell tickets and work concessions in the park."

This spring, Lindvall and her counterparts at Mountaineer Players are bringing Peter Pan, Broadway's Timeless Musical, to the forested stage. The play is based on J.M. Barrie's classic 20th-century book and is directed by Megan Brewer. Jessica Ziegelbauer serves as the play's musical director and Guy Caridi as choreographer. "We performed Peter Pan once before and it was quite successful," said Lindvall. "We like to choose family-friendly shows that appeal to all age levels."  

Later in the summer, the Mountaineers Players will debut Tuck Everlasting, The Musical, at Kitsap Forest Theater. This musical is based on the children's classic by Natalie Babbitt and directed by Paul Fouhy. It'll keep the kiddos on the edge of their seats throughout the show, with choreography by Molly Hall and music directed by Olivia Ochoa.

"Tuck Everlasting is brand-new for us, but we think they (Tuck Everlasting and Peter Pan) work well together," said Lindvall. "They're both based on children's books and have storylines that appeal to kids' imaginations. They both have interesting themes, too."

Readers planning to attend either performance at Kitsap Forest Theater are encouraged to arrive an hour earlier than showtime, as a leisurely one-mile hike through the woods is required to get to the amphitheater. Families are welcome to bring along snacks to enjoy at the end of the trail. There, a picnic area and for-sale refreshments await audience members. Before and after the show, families can also hike to one of the oldest trees in the Kitsap Peninsula, aptly dubbed "Big Tree," or let kids explore the "Treehouse" play structure near the forest stage. Truth be told, there's enough charm at Kitsap Forest Theater to keep everyone in the family entertained before, during and after the show. So, go find those hiking shoes and a light jacket, because the show's about to start.

Kitsap Forest Theater, 3000 Seabeck Hwy., Bremerton, $10-$18 online; $12-$20 at the door, 206.542.7815, foresttheater.com

Peter Pan, Broadway's Timeless Musical, 2 p.m., Sunday and Monday, May 27-28; 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3, 9-10, 16-17

Tuck Everlasting, The Musical, 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, July 28-29, Aug. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19