Movie Reviews from the Dark

(BROADWAY DALLAS 2024-25)

It’s a tale as old as time. OK, not that tale. And not all of time, although the story of Peter Pan dates back to JM Barrie’s 1904 play (“Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up”) and 1911 novel (“Peter and Wendy”). Most of us, across multiple generations, were first exposed to the story of the boy who never grows up while we were kids – through television, books, movies, and/or stage plays. Two of the more popular films include the 1953 animated Disney movie and the 1991 Spielberg movie HOOK starring Robin Williams. However, it’s live theatre where the story has had its greatest impact. There was the1954 Broadway production that featured Mary Martin (Larry Hagman’s mother) in a Tony Award winning performance as Peter Pan, and then in 1979, Sandy Duncan took on the role for a new Broadway production. The 1990’s had Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, with her most recent run occurring in 1998.

The latest stage revival comes courtesy of a 2024 national stage production tour by director Lonny Price (a two-time Emmy winner) and based on an additional book by Larissa Fasthorse. Lorin Latarro and Paul Rubin handle the choreography and flying sequences. With a run at Broadway Dallas in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, this latest production dazzles all ages – from 5 to 90+ (not counting the newborn someone dared carry in). The opening finds us in the bedroom of the Darling children, exposing us to the sufficiently irritating family. Dad is feeling the pressure of the impending work event, mom is worried about the babysitter, oldest daughter Wendy is rushing to grow up, while the two youngest, John and Michael, are immersed in childhood. After a tease from Tinker Bell, we don’t have to wait long for Peter Pan to make his spectacular entrance, soaring through the window while sprinkling fairy dust.

The production features three main sets: the Darling bedroom, the Neverland jungle, and Captain Hook’s ship, the Jolly Roger. All three are fully formed, with Neverland being especially adaptable. Complementing the sets are some terrific visual video effects on the backdrop. These are exceptionally effective during the initial flight from bedroom window to the shores of Neverland to meet The Lost Boys, as well as smile-inducing during the “shadow” moments.

With so many young characters, casting this show can be quite challenging, so it’s a pleasant surprise to note that there are no weak links here. High school senior Nolan Almeida plays Peter Pan. He is involved in most of the first half of the show, singing in six of the eight songs. Almeida brings a bustling energy to the role in comparison to the graceful and elegant style of some previous Pans. It’s different, yet it works … although I wondered why he only wore his hat during the initial scene. Cody Garcia plays dual roles as both Mr. Darling and Captain Hook, the latter being quite a crowd favorite. Making her professional stage debut is Hawa Kamara as Wendy Darling. It’s a key role, though she has only one solo singing moment. Bailey Frankenberg truly shines as Tiger Lily, both in her physicality and singing prowess. Comedy relief comes courtesy of Kurt Perry as Smee, Hook’s right-hand (no pun intended) pirate, and the two young Darling brothers, John and Mike, are played by Levi Chrisopulos and Camden Kwok, respectively (both making their national tour debuts).  Hook’s ‘other’ nemesis, the ticking crocodile, hilariously belly-crawls across the stage, generating laughter and applause from the audience.

The flying segments are a crucial element to the production, and each hoisted actor performs admirably, with Almeida’s Peter being noticeably acrobatic in his sequences. Audience reaction to each flying character was filled with joy, perhaps most apparent in Peter’s first and final flights. Another big audience moment stems from Peter Pan encouraging noisy participation to revive Tinker Bell’s spirit after her self-sacrifice. And speaking of Tink, I never figured out what sorcery (it’s a joke) was used to depict her darting light. Whatever it was, it worked beautifully. It’s a two-hour and forty-minute production, including the intermission, and perhaps the best compliment for those involved is that time flies (another unintended pun) by. The Music Hall sound system was strong and clear for the songs, the dialogue, and the sharp orchestra. The loss of one’s childhood may or may not be a time of melancholy, but the Peter Pan story never fails to land emotionally. The only downside I can find is now that this Disney property is open-source, there is an upcoming 2025 film entitled PETER PAN’S NEVERLAND NIGHTMARE. It’s sure to be Rated-R, and hopefully no young kids get anywhere near it, else their childhood be lost.

“Peter Pan” runs through January 5, 2025 at Broadway Dallas at Music Hall at Fair Park

https://broadwaydallas.org/