author: Charles Boyington
Delightful! So much fun! Run and get tickets!
Peter Pan at the National Theatre through April 21st, 2024 is surprisingly fresh and relevant. The first surprise of the evening was how excited the audience was. I honestly did not think that kids knew anything about Peter Pan anymore. However the youngsters were applauding and screaming as the overture started, and it continued to grow. I understood that behavior at Frozen, but Peter Pan? That old chestnut from the 50’s? I understood the group of retirees next to us smiling happily as the show started, reliving a moment from their childhood. I had no idea that Peter Pan had such lasting power.
If perhaps you are not familiar with the musical storyline it is as follows: We open in the Darling home as the parents get ready to go out for the evening, leaving their three children at home with a negligent babysitter. Nana the dog is cut from the show. Mrs. Darling (Shefaldi Deshpande) is concerned because she has seen a boy’s face in the window and she captured his shadow. Peter Pan (Nolan Almeida) flies in (to thunderous applause and screams) to retrieve his shadow after the parents leave. Wendy (Hawa Kamara), the oldest of the Darling children, helps him out with her suturing skills and decides that along with her young brothers, everyone should fly with Peter Pan to Never Never Land where children do not have to grow up. The fairy Tinker Bell is not thrilled with this idea but acquiesces to Peter whom she obviously adores.
Once there we meet the Lost Children, Peter Pan’s gang of children who also will never grow up. We also are introduced to Tiger Lily (Raye Zaragoza) who heads a tribe of varying Indigenous people (Yamato, Olmec, Nok, and more) who have lost their lands and are having a misunderstanding with Peter’s gang.
Of course, we must not forget Captain Hook (Cody Garcia) and his pirates, including the scene stealing Smee (Kurt Perry). Hook blames Peter for the loss of his hand, which was then swallowed by the ticking crocodile who now follows Hook to get another taste. The Lost Boys need to work with Tiger Lily to combat Hook and the Pirates, comedy and adventure ensue. Will Wendy and her brothers decide to go home? What about the lost boys? Will they go with them and will the Darlings welcome them all? Will Peter decide to grow up or will he stay in Never Never Land forever?
Overall, it is an outstanding cast in this national tour. For decades the role of Peter Pan was usually played by a woman, so I found it refreshing to have a strong male actor playing the role. Almeida has the athletic prowess and the pipes to play the role and even more importantly the energy and sense of wonder. His Peter is truly effective and believable. Kamara’s Wendy is much more modern than we are accustomed to and it works. She wants to be a surgeon someday as well as a mother. Her take on the role is fresh and believable, not an easy task. A clear favorite of the audience was young Michael (at this performance) played by Camden Kwok. Every character actor will want a chance to play Smee after seeing Kurt Perry’s portrayal. Rarely does an actor get a chance to have so much fun stealing scene after scene in a show.
However, it is important to acknowledge that a successful production of Peter Pan really relies on an amazing Captain Hook. Cody Garcia rises to the occasion doing double duty as both Hook and Mr. Darling. Garcia understands the importance of committing 100% to every bit and knows how to work an audience into a frenzy, especially at the top of Act II. All the ensemble players commit with a similarly high level of energy and if the pirates slightly stand out, it’s because they have a zesty number of their own, “We Hate Those Kids” which is a pleasure to behold. I want to note that it is a non-equity tour, which is a shame, these actors are excellent and deserve to be protected by a Union.
The Musical is based on a play by Sir J.M. Barrie with additional book by Larissa Fasthorse, Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh with additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Amanda Green, Music by Morris (Moose) Charlap with additional music by Jule Styne. The script has been updated, and honestly it probably needed it. There are references to modern electronics in the first scene, which will age quickly but I am sure they can continue to update. Indigenous people are treated much better. The only complaint I had was the loss of Nana the dog. The songs stay largely intact and the audience seemed to love them just as much as they were when written in the 1950’s. The Scenic Design by Anna Louizos is beautiful and I normally am not a fan of digital walls but it is used so well in this production that I was absolutely on board.
In short, the musical works. It takes you on a journey where you will laugh, love, and believe.
Running Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission
Peter Pan plays through April 21st 2024 at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets call the box office at (202) 628-6161 or purchase them online.
