A mischievous group of Lost Boys and a band of wretched pirates helped PCPA Theaterfest kick off the 2010-11 season on a Saturday night, taking audiences on a high-soaring journey through Edwardian London to the imperishable Neverland, second star to the right and straight on till morning, at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria.
Directed by Patricia Troxel with musical direction from Callum Morris and choreography by Michael Jenkinson, this adaptation of the Broadway musical included the classic favorites “Never Never Land,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and “I’m Flying.”
Audiences gasped while children cried with delight the moment Peter Pan blew pixie dust upon the Darling children—Wendy (Jillian Van Niel), John (Chase Kelly), and Michael (Marisa Dinsmoor)—sending them soaring into the air with wires attached. There was no doubt they were heading to Neverland, with a harassed Tinker Bell following along, a dancing bell of traditional twinkling light that flashed a bright green every time she needed to make her presence known.
The transitions between scenes were seamless. The stage soon transformed from London to the treehouse where the orphaned Lost Boys live for adventures. As Peter Pan explained to the Darlings, they’re “children who fall out of their prams when the nurse is not looking. If they are not claimed in seven days, they are sent to the Neverland.”
Natasha Harris played the boyish Peter Pan well, a little petulant and arrogant. She successfully exaggerates the boastful and careless personality that is Peter Pan—even the claims of greatness that are often questionable, especially when it comes to reattaching his escaped shadow. Jillian Van Niel was convincing as a child with an old soul. Deep inside, you know she’s young, but her inherent motherly nature gives no doubt that she has the ability to care for a horde of orphaned boys—even if it’s just make believe.
The gang of Lost Boys was also a rascally pleasure to watch, as children giggled during the wonderfully choreographed dance-off with the Indian Princess, Tiger Lily, played by Ozioma Akagha. She was graceful and had a fierce quality; you know you should stay on her good side.
Erik Stein was hilarious as the tantrum-prone Mr. Darling, and his delightful transition to the diabolical Captain Hook nearly stole the show. He had a way of letting you know he was the most evil, conniving, and craftiest of all pirates, but he was charming and sensitive as well, as he gathered his thoughts through tarantellas and waltzes. Peter Hadres played a more subdued Smee, who counterbalances the eccentricity of his master—especially when the captain starts to seize in fright of his ultimate nemesis, the tick-tocking Crocodile, portrayed by Clare Lopez.
There were cleverly sketched pirate characters within the crew, but just not enough time to give each a share of the spotlight—although there was enough time to enjoy their presence on the stage.
The flying, seeing the children fluttering away from their room with Peter Pan, was enchanting. PCPA collaborated with professional flyers from ZFX to create the magical effectiveness of pixie dust. Scenic designer DeAnne Kennedy successfully morphed a quiet nursery room to the luxurious woods of the Neverland creatures and the wicked Jolly Roger commanded by Captain Hook. Costume designer Cheryl Odom created an individual out of every outfit, allowing the audience to believe the actors were really the storybook characters.
The show doesn’t have the original
sense of loss and despair written in by Scottish author and playwright J.M. Barrie. From the beginning of the musical, the focus seems to be on hope and belief. Later, as Tinker Bell slowly fades after drinking poison meant for Peter Pan, the boy begs for all the children in the world to believe in fairies and show their belief by clapping.
His words pulled at the heartstring of every adult and child in the audience at my show; people began clapping without hesitation, eagerly hoping their collective power would revive Tinker Bell and save the Darlings from the clutches of Captain Hook.
You should hear freelancer Catherine Shen’s rooster crow. Contact her via Arts Editor Shelly Cone at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 11-18, 2010.