When you think of the Broadway musical Peter Pan you think of petite women like Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby playing the lead character but this touring non equity version features an actual 17-year-old teenaged boy, Nolan Almeida. And he brings it.
This version of the children's story about a boy who never grows up is updated to include social media, cell phones and beats. This version of the J M Barrie kids' tale also has eliminated the obvious anti-Indian garbage that was in the original (Ugg a wug wigwam?). The updated play doesn't lose anything at all.
The story begins in the nursery of a 21st century home with Michael, John and Wendy. After Mom says she noticed a boy outside the window with a strange light, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell enter the room with glitter and flair. The three kids are enthralled with the boy and his fairy and decide they want to go to Neverland where nobody ever grows old. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys welcome the kids and make Wendy their "mother" since they all have none.
But Neverland is not all that fun because the Lost Boys have enemies, Tiger Lily and her tribe and the villainous Captain Hook and his band of pirates. Hook hates Peter Pan as he blames him for the loss of his hand to a crocodile. Tiger Lily fights to keep her part of the island but eventually joins forces to battle the pirates which results in the great song Forever Friends that closes act 1.
Act 2 is not long at all. Theres some sword fights and some walking the plank and eventually Hook is defeated and eaten by the croc. Thats about it folks.
The special effects are pretty good. When the kids are flying it looks real as they fly thru the clouds (even though the wires are easily seen). The stage scenery is pretty standard. Theres some good songs, some songs that didn't hit with me and a story far more fit for children than adults.
Now the actors. The aforementioned Nolan Almeida is a Peter Pan that will go on as long as he wants and has a great singing voice. Hawka Kamara as Wendy is obviously a grown woman but really is the stabilizing force onstage. She gets the best lines and jokes. Bailey Frankenberg as Tiger Lily is a small package with a large voice. There was no doubt in my mind she was the best singer onstage. Cody Garcia plays both the father and Captain Hook. His Hook has a strange Scottish accent, but he is also obviously the most seasoned actor up there. His Hook is a hoot. Kurt Perry as Smee, Capt. Hooks flamboyant first mate is quite funny. Another big guy actor with a lot of moves and a delightful delivery of his lines.
I have no problem with the talent onstage. The story is really not meant for 60 something people. Sure, you can put the brain on hold and have fun, but there are so many kids up there I often flashed back to my days as a stage dad for my son's high school plays. Max's Mom called it "annoying" but to be fair, she wasn't feeling well. I wasn't feeling well either, but it did not annoy me. It just didn't interest me. Sorry.
The place was packed. Far more adults than kids. The applause was tepid most of the play. It made me think there were other adults there not into it.
If you have little ones this would be a good introduction to musical theater. It's not overly long, and the kids will like the energy. At times it made me wish I had that energy still.
