THEATRE: PETER PAN

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PETER PAN

 

My main birthday wish was granted last night, when I got to see Peter Pan at the Pantages Theatre on opening night! Yay!

 

Photo by Isaac James.

Peter Pan is just the perfect musical! It has absolutely everything one could want in a show; comedy, drama, good vs. evil, tons of colorful visuals, wonderful music, great dance opportunities, a bit of audience participation, and excellent messages—like, never lose the child in yourself. And don’t leave your children home with just a dog to watch them!

But, more importantly, it brings out the best in everyone. (Well, almost everyone–the two men who sat next to me talked during the entire second act, as though they were watching it in their living room! Charming.) Just observe the audience as they exit the theatre; they’re all upbeat and happy.

Photo of Cathy Rigby in the children’s bedroom by Michael Lamont.

Right off the bat, I’ve got to say that the star, former international gymnast Cathy Rigby, is a marvel. She just turned sixty, and she still pulls off portraying a little boy. More than that is her amazing athletic ability. She retired from competitive gymnastics in the early seventies! Yet, she can do more than girls a quarter of her age! Most of the past Olympics gymnasts, once they’re done with the sport, gain lots of weight, and become normal people. I doubt that there’s one of them in her thirties even who can still stand on her head and perform the tricks that Ms. Rigby does in this show. I could be wrong, but, having actually met some former ones over the years, I doubt that I am.

And the enthusiasm she still shows for the role is incredible. This is at least the fourth go-round for her in the title role of the eternal lost boy, and yet, she exhibits the boundless energy of youth. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this woman!!!

Peter Pan has always been my favorite musical, and that hasn’t changed, even though many aspects of this new production have. And, as much as I hate change in general, and am a Peter Pan purist in specific, I was fine with this show. (Although I hated that girls played a few boys. I hate wrong gender portrayals on stage. Other than that tradition for the role of Peter Pan, of course! Though that did confuse me a bit when I was little. Good thing I didn’t live in Elizabethan times when men played women as a rule!)

Okay, back to this production! All of the changes seem to be to catch-up on modern staging and choreography, so I can’t quarrel with that. The caliber of dance and movement is definitely many steps up (please pardon the pun, dance fans) from the norm of this musical.

Photo by Michael Lamont.

I also loved the sets, designed by John Iacovelli; a lot of thought and work went into them. And the flying is more spectacular than ever! And the “fairy dust” was the brightest and most sparkly ever! I need some! [Sidebar: when I saw a much earlier version of this show at the same venue, way over a decade ago, as we left the after-party, they gave us each a pretty jar filled with “fairy dust.” Of course I still have it, but the new on-stage substance greatly outshines it.]

But most of all, I love the iconic music. I’m not ashamed to admit that I started crying the second the Bruce Barnes-led orchestra began the overture. It was just gorgeous.

Photo of Captain Hook and the Pirates by Isaac James.

Of interest is that they made the pirates be different ethnicities, which might be a first, and that they added a lagoon-with-mermaid scene. (That whole situation is in the original J. M. Barrie book, I believe, but not like it is here.) And the major percussion-working that was added to the pow-wow with Tiger Lily and pirates was really quite spectacular, (even if the woman who played Tiger Lily was the main weakness of the show. But I was able to get past even her bad movement and beyond-skinny legs that sort-of made me cringe.) [Note: it may have been in an earlier production, too, but not in the original.]

Photo of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys by Isaac james.

I couldn’t spare a moment of my attention on the stage to write even one note, so I’m sure there’s a lot I’m forgetting to tell you of the thoughts that constantly ran through my mind on opening night. But, the one thing you need to know is this: if you’re anywhere near Los Angeles, or are in or near a city this production may be traveling to, you have got to see this show! Young, old, parent, or not—it’s a must!

But a slight bit of advice: if you’re like me, a kindred soul to Peter’s, and don’t plan to grow-up, either, bring multiple tissues! No matter how hard I try not to be, I’m always a puddle of mush at the end. (At least my sobs finally drowned-out the rudeness of those two “conversationalists” next to me. If only the crocodile had come down into the audience and gotten them, my night would have been complete!)

Last thoughts: I’m sure that other reviewers will mention that Cathy’s voice isn’t what it used to be (it did crack a few times on opening night, as a matter of fact,) and that they left out one of my favorite numbers, Oh, My Mysterious Lady. Or that Peter is supposed to sing the lullaby, rather than Wendy who did it in this incarnation, (most likely because Cathy would, or should, be out of breath from the exertion used on the previous percussion number.) Or that they changed the probably-now-politically-incorrect-but-always-loved Ugg-a-Wugg to said percussion extravaganza. And little things like that. But I suggest just sprinkling some fairy dust on yourself, and going with the flow.

So, go see this show! And fly, don’t walk. At least you’ll be flying out of there, on Cloud 9.

Peter Pan running through January 27, 2013
Pantages Theatre  6233 Hollywood Blvd.  800-982-2727 www.BroadwayLA.org

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