Where dreams are born and time is never planned... (Broadway Across America)

Mar 29

3 min read

Peter Pan Based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie Adapted by Jerome Robbins Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh Music by Morris (Moose) Charlap Additional Lyrics and Music by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Amanda Green and Jules Styne Directed by Lonny Price

A review by Beth Beck

Second star to the right and straight on till morning! A musical adventure is waiting as Peter Pan takes flight at Whitney Hall as part of Broadway Across America. I was fortunate to see this youthful musical starring Peter, Tinker Bell, Wendy, and the whole gang. And this treat of a musical did not disappoint.

Anyone who grew up with the Mary Martin adaptation famously directed by Jerome Robbins is in for a wonderful time. In this version, we find ourselves in the Darling household with Wendy, Michael and John streaming videos for likes and follows as their parents prepare for a very important dinner party. Wendy (played with adorable gusto by Aubrie-Mei Rubel) dreams of becoming a doctor while her bookish brother John (a charismatic Owen Swarez) studies ancient societies and Michael (a charming turn by Zaynn Arora) dreams of pirate ships.

Soon we are introduced to Pan himself as he flies into the Darling household and into our hearts. It is worth mentioning that the author J.M. Barrie, was known to insist that Peter be played by a woman. This contemporary version added a new clever aspect though. Most pieces of art like Peter Pan are living words that need to breathe, move, change with the times. Kruz Maldonado is an irresistible Peter as he looks for his shadow, fights pirates and embodies the spirit of youth. Maldonado is rugged and feisty with showstoppers like “I Gotta Crow,” “Wendy” and absolutely endearing with “Neverland.” Maldonado does clever work with Tinker Bell that truly needs to be seen by anyone who believes in fairies as well.

As Peter whisks the Darlings to Neverland, we soon meet The Lost Boys. The staging for Neverland is lush, green and full of possibilities. The special effects, sound crew, and ensemble made the entire experience magical. Around every corner is a chance for The Lost Boys and Peter to claim their land and live free, truly embodying a spirit of childhood wonder and glee with numbers like “Friends Forever,” shared with Tiger Lily and her band of warriors.

But it is Captain Hook and his daft gang of pirates who the steal the show. Captain Hook, played by Cody Garcia, and his steadfast, albeit a little anxious, right hand man Smee (with hilarious timing by Kurt Perry) stop at nothing to defeat Peter and his allies. Even if it means making a poisonous cake or outsmarting a crocodile! Garcia’s Hook slays with laughs and endless swagger. His comedic chops do not disappoint. This is a performance that truly lives up to the legacy of Captain Hook.

The audience was filled with bright-eyed littles, some dressed up like the characters we all know and love. Their enthusiasm throughout the entire show helped the adults feel the same as Peter and Wendy: like a kid at heart with the passing of time being a trivial matter. This modernized adaptation of Peter Pan offers a new take that is likely more relatable to younger generations in a clever way. Peter, as always, represents freedom, youth, and the journey most children and teenagers can relate to: finding yourself.

Peter Pan March 25-30 PNC Broadway in Louisville Kentucky Performing Arts 501 West Main st Louisville KY 40205 https://louisville.broadway.com