On Stage With…

Lady Beverly Cohn

There is a reason PETER PAN is a theatrical chestnut that has endured over 70 years.  It began as a musical based on the play written by Sir J.J. Barrie, with original music by Morris (Moose) Charlap, additional music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, augmented with lyrics by that incomparable writing team of Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Amanda Green.  The iconic Jerome Robbins directed, choreographed and adapted the material for the stage where we met Mary Martin as the first Peter Pan, with Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby subsequently playing that role. 

Cody Garcia (center) stars as Captain Hook in “Peter Pan on stage at the Pantages Theatre until July 28, 2024.  Photo credit:  Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

As fresh as ever, the current production, with additional book by Larissa Fasthorse is exquisitely helmed by director Lonny Price, who ties all the elements into one big, beautiful bow.  Despite some audio challenges, 17-year-old Nolan Almeida embodies Peter gracefully and captures the audience.  During the opening scene with the Darling family – dad (Cody Garcia) and mom (Shefali Deshpande) with Wendy, played by newcomer Hawa Kamara and her two little brothers, John (alternately played by William Foon and Micah Turner Lee) and Michael, (alternately played by Reed Epley and Camden Kwok) I felt like a kid as I couldn’t wait for Peter to arrive, and that he did, swooping in through the opened window in search of the elusive Tinker Bell, who was flitting about the Darling children’s bedroom playing hide-and-seek with her pal.  

This famous “character” is brought to life by designer Paul Kieve, and because she’s so real, one almost expects a human form to manifest suddenly.  Yes.  The time soon arrives for the Darling kids. Under the leadership of their big sister Wendy and Peter’s description of his magical place, they fly to Neverland for some exciting and scary adventures. By and by, they encounter Tiger Lily, nicely played by Raye Zaragoza, and in short order, we meet the big. Still, not so bad, Captain Hook is gloriously also characterized by a transformed Cody Garcia and the Lost Boys, a talented ensemble of young men and women whose job is to do his bidding and fight when necessary.  Kurt Perry, Captain Hook’s obedient sidekick, is as hilarious as Smee, executing rapid transitions according to his bosses’ will.  It's hoaky but fun. Here, I would like to mention Paul Rubin’s breathtaking Flying Sequences, which immerses us in multiple changing vistas as  Peter, Wendy and her brothers fly through changing vistas.  As a seasoned critic, I was awe-struck by his technical wizardry.  Other outstanding production team members include Production Design by David Bengali, Lighting by Amith Chandrashaker, Costumes by Sarafina Bush, Sound by Kai Harada, Additional Fight & Dance Music by David Dabbon, Music Coordinator John Mezzio, Music Director Jonathan Marro, and Associate Choreographer Travis Waldschmidt.   

( L) Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan, Cody Garcia as Captain Hook, (C) Hawa Kamara as Wendy and the cast of Peter Pan. Photo credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

Each of the musical numbers was performed with excitement and high energy and included:  “I Gotta Crow,” “Neverland,” I’m Flying,”  “Hook’s Tango,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” “Friends Forever,” and one of funniest “We Hate Those Kids,” sung by the Pirates.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention The Croc, comically played by Christina Helene Br AA, who appears from time to time perhaps to get a bite of Hook’s other hand. 

In these turbulent times in our country, I had a temporary respite from these troubles and left the theatre smiling as I saw little girls dressed as their version of Tinker Bell and little boys in their flying costumes. I hoped that, just as in my case when I was 11 years old and saw my first play—South Pacific on Broadway—at least one of these youngsters would be inspired to be a theatergoer forever.

PETER PAN

Hollywood Pantages Theatre 

6233 Hollywood Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90028

http://www.broadwayinhollywood.com

Please note:  Sadly, PETER PAN had a short run at the Pantages and closed on July 28th.  However, for those in Orange County, it is scheduled to open on August 6th at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.  Check your local papers for the listing.