“Second star to the right, and straight on ‘til morning!” That’s how you get to Neverland, or you could just stop at Keller Auditorium now through September 1 for the National Tour of Peter Pan. The classic Broadway musical has been wonderfully refreshed, making it more inclusive while still retaining all the magic. Here’s why it’s worth splurging on tickets for the whole family.
When Peter flies through the nursery window in an explosion of fairy dust, I felt like a kid again. That moment alone is almost worth the ticket price. Technological advances since Peter Pan first appeared on Broadway back in 1954 have elevated theater magic in the most wonderful of ways. Watching Peter dance with his shadow, then fly to Neverland with Wendy, John and Michael will have you and your children oohing and ahhing. Pro tip: Booster seats are available for rent at the coat check in the lobby and I highly recommend them for younger children.
Peter is brought to life by seventeen-year-old Nolan Almeida. As the boy who won’t grow up, Almeida emodies childhood innocence, joy and wonder. He authentically captures the energy and excitement of a boy out for adventure better than any Pan I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen my fair share.) He’s got a gorgeous singing voice to boot, and uses it with such tenderness at times; it’ll melt your heart. Kids and grown ups alike will be lining up to join his family of Lost Boys.
In this revival, the Native American stereotypes of the original production have been swapped for a tribe of people representing extinct cultures from around the world. Playwright Larissa FastHorse promises, “If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a Peter Pan that everyone can enjoy.” FastHorse enlarged and rounded out the role of Tiger Lily, while still allowing Peter to shine as the main character. One of the best additions to this production is the wonderful new song “Friends Forever,” which replaces the embarrassingly offensive “Ugg-a-Wugg” from the original musical. For me, “Friends Forever” ranks with “I’m Flying,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and “Neverland” as one of the best numbers in the show. Pro tip: Take your kids to the restroom before the show, as the lines during intermission are extremely long. You won’t want to miss Captain Hook and his gang singing “We Hate Those Kids” at the opening of Act II.
Another big change is the setting, which has moved from Victorian London to modern-day America. Formerly dainty Wendy is now a strong-minded young teen with big dreams of going to medical school. Wendy’s frequent references to becoming a doctor can be a bit annoying. But the modern updates allow the show to give voice to its female characters, without compromising the original story. I was skeptical about this modernization, but overall it works.
What hasn’t changed is the foppish villain, Captain Hook, though half of his bungling band of pirates are played by women. Hook and his scallywags are so much more comic than scary, even when they talk of murder and kidnapping. Since all the inhabitants of Neverland seem to spring from the imagination of a child, it’s about as rated G as a show can get, even with sword fights galore.
If You Go
Peter Pan is recommended for audiences ages 5 and up. Tickets are still available and prices range from $39.75 to $139.75.
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