Peter Pan from Duke Energyland

Goodnight everyone. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite … Oh my goodness! Hello there. How do you do? Good evening! Come on now … Good evening!

(Peter from offstage) Wendy! Wendy, Wendy, Wendy! There you are!

Peter ?! Hello! How-how did you get in here?

The window was open, so I just flew right in.

The window was open ?! With the heat running ?!

Exactly! That's your first energy-saving tip: Always keep windows closed when the heat or air is on-otherwise, you're just throwing energy (and money!) right out the window.

Of course. Wouldn't be a power company-sponsored show without a tip right off the bat.

What do you mean?

Oh, nothing …

Why look at this group of friends. Hello! Hello!

These are my new friends, Peter.

Well hello, hello! Oh-don't I know you? Hello, friend … and you … and you!

Aren't they wonderful?

Truly! And I'm so glad you're all here today.

You see, Peter is going to help us all learn some very important lessons about saving energy!

That's right! And at the end, I'll even show you how to get a free energy-savings kit in the mail!

And how teachers in this very room can receive cash incentives just for encouraging students to request kits!

Teachers love money-that's why they go into this work!

Not bad for a FREE program!

And you probably didn't even want to come today …

Anyway, where were we … oh yes-energy!

Yes, of course! Energy is what powers the lights when we flip a switch, charges our phones and game systems-it's what keeps everything running!

And it's important that we all do our part to save it.

Exactly. It's super important to save energy whenever we can.

But how can we do that?

Easy! Just by doing simple things-like turning off the lights when you leave a room …

Turning off the lights … got it.

… unplugging chargers when you're not using them …

Oof. Guilty.

And, of course, closing windows when the heat or air conditioning is on!

Okay, okay-I get it! Small steps make a big difference.

That's the idea!

It's just … this is still Peter Pan, right? We sort of dove right into energy tips.

Well, yeah-we've only got 25 minutes!

I don't know … seems like the story needs some kind of hook.

Ahhh … I see what you did there.

Oh no! I didn't mean that HOOK!

(laughs) Regardless-Wendy, do you trust me?

I suppose I do.

Then come with me! I want you to meet some very special friends; the Lost Power Boys!

Really?!

Yes!

Should I call an Uber?

No need-we're flying. Much quicker. And better for the environment.

But I don't know how to fly …

Sure you do. Or at least … you will in a minute!

Wait-don't tell me … is Tinkerbell here ?!

She is!

Oh, how I wish John and Michael could meet you-and her too!

Yeah … they can't. It's a two-person show.

Right! I mean-yes, of course. We'll let them sleep.

Good thinking. Now then-Tinkerbell, wherever you are-come sprinkle that pixie dust! We're headed back to Duke Energyland!

Tinkerbell !!

The one and only … Thank you, Tinkerbell. Now-Wendy, are you ready to fly?

I think so …

Hey, can you all help us out? … Can you help us fly? Perfect! Wendy and I are flying off on an adventure-and we're taking all of you with us! We just have to count to three to get started! Is everyone ready? One, two, three! And away we go!

Amazing!

We're getting close, Wendy. What do you all think? Flying is amazing, isn't it?

It's so beautiful from up here. There's just so much to see and do …

But are you ready to land?

Wait … is that Captain Hook's ship down there? What happened to it? It's just sitting in a sandy pit!

That's because this … is a glimpse into our possible future.

But … why isn't he sailing in water?

Because we all need to do our part to help save energy and protect our planet. If we don't, even the seas can dry up …

I see …

Poor Captain Hook-still as grumpy as ever, but now … no place to go.

Oh dear …

And that's why I brought you here. I think you're going to learn a lot from the Lost Power Boys. In fact, why don't you settle in-I'll go find Tootles.

Tootles? What kind of name is that? Tootles, Peter ?!

Tootles! Tootles !!

Is this really the future? Hmm … I suppose it could be … Do you all do that, too? … You all are so smart-maybe you're the real Lost Power Boys and Girls!

Wendy! Wendy! Peter Pan told me I'd find a very special guest at the end of the path …

You must be Tootles!

I am! And I'm one of the Lost Power Boys!

My goodness-you sure are! I'm Wendy … Reporting for duty! So … the Lost Power Boys?

That's right. We didn't used to be called that. Back when everything was working great, the lights were always on, everything was bright-like a diamond!

Oh! I love Rihanna! … We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky ..

Anyway … back then, people didn't think about saving energy. We thought it would never run out. We'd flip a switch, and-boom-light! Take super long, hot showers! Keep things plugged in all the time!

Wow … but that sounds like a lot.

It was! But the truth is … all that stuff uses resources.

Resources?

Yep. That means the stuff we use to make electricity. Like water … wind … sunlight … even gas or coal.

Oh! I use electricity all the time-to charge my phone, use my computer …

Yep! And for the TV … the microwave … lights … air conditioning in summer …

Okay, okay-so electricity does a lot.

It sure does. And the way we make electricity really matters…

So if we use less energy, we help save those resources?

Exactly! That's why we need everyone-even all of you-to help save energy every day.

Okay, so now I understand … But what am I supposed to do about all of this?

Easy! Everyone-even you all-can help make a big difference just by saving energy every day.

Like … closing the windows when the heat or air conditioning is on?

Exactly! That's a great place to start. Oh! Here's another one-keep the fridge and freezer doors closed!

Got it! Keep the fridge door closed … And of course-turn off the lights when we leave a room!

Sounds easy, right? Okay … let's test it.

These are all such simple things-even the youngest among us can do them!

Right? There are lots more little ways to help, too. Here's one that surprises people: taking shorter showers helps save energy!

What? How?

Well, when you take a hot shower, it takes electricity to heat up the water…

(Suddenly busts out a song…)

Yes, yes-great song! But it's so long! If you can keep it short, you'll save a ton of energy. Oh no … what time is it?

I have no idea-why?

Peter was worried … that mean ol' Captain Hook might have seen you two flying overhead this morning! …

Captain Hook? Here? Oh no-I hope not!

I think I hear him now … And, um … I can't be here if he's coming!

But wait! You can't leave me here alone!

Sorry, Wendy! They don't call me Tootles for nothing!

But are you saying … we can help protect the world we have today?

Yes! That's exactly right. If we all work together, we can make a big difference. Oh no-I've got to go … Toooootles!

Okay, let's see if we can remember some ways to save energy … You all are so smart!

Yo ho! Yo ho! 🎵

Oh no … it can't be … Captain Hook ?! Where is Peter Pan when you need him?

Alright, Peter! I know you're here. I saw you flying over—There'll be no escaping me this time! Well, well … who are you people? Why, you look just like the photos I saw in last year's (School Name) Yearbook. Are you the students of (School Name)?? Let's see … where's Thomas? I know there's a Thomas at this school … Thomas—have you seen Peter Pan? Hmm?

You leave Thomas alone!

And who are you supposed to be?

I'm Wendy.

Wendy? Like … wind? Windy? Renewable Wendy? Thomas—who is this Wendy person?

I'm Peter Pan's friend.

Peter Pan doesn't have friends!

Oh, yes he does! Watch this … Do you all like Peter Pan? Are you his friends?

What?! I was his friend once, too … until he fed my hand to that old crocodile!

I've never heard of a crocodile in (Insert State) before …

Oh, but that's another story. Anyone who's a friend of Peter Pan … is NOT a friend of mine! That means YOU … and YOU … And allllll of YOU!

You're just being mean! Is this all because your ship is stuck and there's no more water to sail on?

Waaaaterrrr???

We do! We learned taking shorter showers helps save electricity and water!

Very good. Excellent. Yes, yes … It's important to protect our natural resources—Electricity … clean air … WATER—so I can sail my ship again!

Natural resources are so important.

They give us power, they give us clean air to breathe … and water for pirates like me to set sail! (Pauses) You're saying … if I turn off the lights and unplug my phone charger … I could be a real pirate again?

It seems like a lot of this has to do with things way bigger than just me … like the power company that brings us electricity.

Aha! That's true! For us here today, that would be Duke Energy. They've already built many, many solar power projects— which is a great start! But this … this is where you—and all of you out there—come in.

Us? We really play a part?

Yes! Every time you do something that saves energy—like turning off a light or unplugging a charger—it means less energy is needed in the first place. And the less we waste, the more we protect our future. The more we all work together, the better off we'll be!

Wow … You seem a lot nicer once we get past your grumpy pirate exterior.

I do? (Pauses, catches himself, then gruffly) I mean … ARRRRGHHH! (Softening again) Thank you. I think … maybe I was just angry. Angry that people didn't do more to help save the state when they had the chance.

Well, I think we will now. Actually, why don't you ask them?

Ask them? What for?

Exactly. I think you were just upset about the way things are going … And you took it out on them. That's not really fair, is it?

Oh. But … earlier I said I wasn't friends with them. Just because they liked Peter. (Thinking) Hmm. I guess I was acting out a little.

That's a great way of putting it.

I'm sorry, Wendy.

Don't apologize to me … Apologize to them.

(Turning to audience) I'm sorry, everyone. I really do want to be your friend. I didn't know anything about any of you … Well—except Thomas. I did remember his picture from last year's yearbook …

So what do you all think? Should we accept Captain Hook's apology and be his friend?

Really?! You will?! (Pause, emotional, then catching himself) I mean … uh … that's wise, crew! Very wise!

Look, Captain—the world can be a hard place sometimes. But it just makes so much more sense to be kind and make friends with the people we meet.

I understand that now, Wendy.

Good. Now then … ask them.

(Turning to audience) Do you all think you can help our future by saving energy whenever you get the chance?

Do you promise?

Thank you, Wendy. And thank all of you! I better get back to my ship right away! Wait 'til Smee and ol' Greg hear about this!

Wow! Who knew we could defeat Captain Hook with a little kindness? You were all incredible! You promised to help save energy, and you even made friends with the grumpiest pirate still stuck in the sand! Say … does anyone have one more idea of how we can save energy or protect our resources?

WENDY! I'm here! I'm ready to protect you! Tootles told me Hook was coming! EN GUARDE !!! (Leaps out, brandishing imaginary sword, ready for battle)

Peter! You missed everything!

I did ?! I mean … I'm sure I did. But I was so inspired by everything, I stayed back to write a song! It's about saving energy—what do you say we try it?

A song? Oh, I don't know …

Come on, it'll be fun! And maybe it'll help everyone remember the promises they made today.

Well … if it might help, let's try it. Join us if you know it!

JJ Hey Wendy and friends, here's a song, To help us save power all day long! Turn off the lights when you're out the door, Flip that switch—it's a win for sure!

I'm ready, let's go, let's make it fun, Saving energy's for everyone! Turn off the TV, don't leave it on, Power's precious—then it's gone!

Wendy, you're wise, let's fly through the sky, Saving energy, oh me, oh my! Close the fridge fast—don't let cold out, Shut that door and give a shout!

JJ I'm defying gravityyyyyyyy—

Okay, maybe just one chorus more …

It's easy to help, you know what to do! Every smart choice starts with you!

TOGETHER (Chorus): Power up, power down, let's do it right… (Final Chorus) Let's thank Duke Energy and give a cheer…

Our trademark—ending with a song that goes on just a little too long.

But hey … if it helps save energy, we say … KEEP SINGIN'!

Peter, I've learned so much today!

Well, Wendy, it looks like we've done it! We've flown all over, made new friends—and most importantly—we've helped save energy! But … there's one thing I'm still wondering …

Oh really? What's that, Peter?

How much energy do you think we've saved today? I mean—it has to be a lot!

I think we've inspired everyone here to save even more energy! Right? … Yes! Look at all the things we've learned—Turning off lights, keeping doors and windows shut, unplugging gadgets … We're on a roll!

And remember—it's not just us! YOU can help save energy, too! At home, in your classroom—it's easy!

Just like our song said—turn off anything you're not using! Lights, TVs, even video games!

And don't forget to unplug your gadgets when they're fully charged! That saves electricity AND makes the planet happy!

And when it's chilly—put on a cozy sweater instead of cranking up the heat!

WENDY—WAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIT!

What?! What is it? What did you forget??

You've all been such a great audience—I brought a gift for you!

A gift?!

That's right! Do you all like gifts? … I've brought stickers and bookmarks and activity guides for each of you! Because saving energy is SO important… That's why you're getting … the chance to have A FREE Energy Savings Kit delivered to your home!

FREE?!

Absolutely FREE! Today, before you leave, you'll get a sticker, a bookmark, and a fun activity guide—But that's just the beginning!

So cool!

And now for the most important part … Are you ready? … On your stickers, bookmarks, and activity guides, you'll see a QR code. As soon as you get home, ask your mom, dad, grandparent, or guardian to scan that code with their phone. If your home is powered by Duke Energy, I'll send you a FREE Energy Savings Kit—with awesome stuff like LED nightlights, weatherstripping, and more!

That's amazing—I want one!

You can request one, Wendy! And get this—if your teacher's name is on your request, every 15 kits means that teacher earns $50 in cash!

What?! That's real money!

Oh yes! And the top 5 schools with the most requests? They'll win prize money, too! And guess how much it costs?

I bet it's FREE!

Bingo! It's all FREE! Alright, now this is the super important part … Are you ready to take the ENERGY HERO PLEDGE with me?!

(Audience cheers)

Great! Sit up tall, put your right hand in the air, and repeat after me: ENERGY HERO PLEDGE… (full pledge lines)

You did it! You're officially Energy Heroes!

Alright, now it's time for the most important group here today … Teachers! You've been so wonderful—and now, we need your help too.

(Teacher pledge call-and-response)

It's just like flying—start with small steps, and before you know it, you've soared through the clouds! YOU can make a BIG difference!

That's right! Together, we can all power up and power down—and make the world a better place … one light switch at a time!

Well, Wendy, I've got to go! But I'll be back— and I know all of YOU will be saving energy like total pros!

We will, Peter! Have fun—and remember: keep those lights off!

Alright, I'm off! Ready to fly, save energy, and keep the future green! (pauses, turns back) The power to save energy … is in YOUR hands!