Displaying items by tag: Peter Pan

After many years without seeing the movie or reading the story of Peter Pan, the moment I learned that Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical was coming to Chicago, my inner child couldn’t contain its excitement. I arrived at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, quickly found my seat, and noticed joyful children surrounding me. The adults were definitely outnumbered, but hey, we are still kids at heart and have imagination, too! As expected, on opening night, the theater was filled to capacity, and excitement was palpable.

As the lights dim, theatregoers are welcomed into the shared childhood bedroom of Wendy, John, and Michael. Their parents, preparing for an event that evening, are putting the kids to sleep as they prepare to leave. As soon as the parents are gone, Wendy is woken up to Peter Pan and Tinkerbell rummaging through the bedroom. Wendy confronts Peter, and he explains he’s looking for his lost shadow. Wendy helps him reclaim his shadow, and in the process, wakes up her brothers, John and Michael. One thing leads to another, and before you know it, Peter is sprinkling a bunch of fairy dust on the children. They take flight, and with a magical poof, they soar out of the window, embarking on their journey to Neverland. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

While the plot of the show shares similarities with the movie, it also introduces its own unique twists. Notably, a conflict arises between Tiger Lily’s tribe and Peter Pan along with the Lost Boys. The ongoing battle involves accusations of theft between the groups. Surprisingly, once Captain Hook enters the scene, Tiger Lily’s Tribe and the Lost Boys decide to form an unlikely alliance and become best friends.

The unification of Tiger Lily’s tribe and Peter Pan and the Lost Boys is, in my opinion, the best scene in the play. This performance is packed with ambient singing and beautifully choreographed dance. The musical number called “Friends Forever” plays as they dance along and try to find a new handshake to seal their newly established bond. The song boasts a wonderful melody, seamlessly intertwining with the joyous celebration.

The cast of Peter Pan is wonderfully diverse, featuring actors from various racial backgrounds. This production breathes new life into the story, making it feel more inclusive and significantly more multicultural than the original 1953 animated movie. Every actor delivers an outstanding performance, with special recognition for the young Reed Epley, who has captivated audiences on stage since the tender age of four.

Captain Hook, played by Cody Garcia, is excellent. Garcia is everything you could ask for in an antagonist. He is funny, sassy, and downright evil. Throughout the show, we watch him sing and dance his way into wicked plots to kill all of the children. Surprisingly dark for a kids’ show, I must say. Every time Hook is on stage the crowd laughs, captured by his beguilement. He has what sounds like a Scottish pirate accent and owns it with every word. Garcia’s singing is also impressive with a surprising vocal range that has depth and great heights.

Nolan Almeida, portraying Peter Pan, showcases remarkable acting skills. His singing, dancing, and ability to charm the audience with magic are truly fascinating. Almeida flawlessly hits all his cues and fully embraces his character throughout the show.

My only disappointment stemmed from the choice for the character of Tinker Bell. Anticipating the fairy in physical form, I was surprised when the show opted for what appeared to be a flashlight’s glow instead. Despite my reservations, the children in the audience adored the fairy light, with some even declaring Tinker Bell as their favorite character.

The live orchestra is phenomenal. Their music does a wonderful job complementing the show with whimsical sounds and adventurous beats. Each song is sweetly crafted to help tell the story of Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, and the children versus the dreaded Captain Hook. The music by Morris (Moose) Charlap is perfect and brings the show to life.

Beyond the enchanting music, the choreography by Lorin Latarro truly captivates the audience. Every dance, intricately woven into the musical numbers, is a resounding success, executed flawlessly by the talented cast. The exhilarating flips and graceful couple dancing add an extra layer of excitement. Amidst the choreography, the simulated fights between characters during the show provide an entertaining spectacle. And let’s not forget the magical flying sequences, seamlessly orchestrated by Paul Rubin, which transport us into the heart of Neverland.

Costume design emerged as one of my favorite aspects of the show. Anticipating a vibrant array of colors, I was not disappointed. Sarafina Bush, the costume designer, delivers costumes that are not only true to each character but are also bursting with life. Tiger Lily’s group sports a unique tribal look, while the Lost Boys’ attire exudes wildness and adventure.

The set and stage design further enhances the experience. The lush green jungle landscape of Neverland and the cozy children’s bedroom stand out as exceptional set pieces. Each set was thoughtfully interactive, seamlessly accommodating every scene. And within the Nederlander Theatre, the ambiance feels like the perfect gateway to Neverland—just a sprinkle of fairy dust and a glimpse through French casement windows, and you’ll be soaring.

Kudos to director Lonny Price and executive producer Trinity Wheeler for breathing new life into Peter Pan. Their fresh adaptation transports the beloved characters into a modern world, embracing the timeless magic of imagination. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned viewer, this show promises fun for all.

After the show, I chatted with a few audience members to gauge their thoughts on Peter Pan. Cindy exclaimed, “The show was fantastic, and they had a thrilling cast.”

Kelly, on the other hand, shared a different perspective: “It was a great show, but this wasn’t the same Peter Pan I remember from my childhood. It feels like I didn’t recall any of this happening.”

And then there was Steven, brimming with excitement: “This show was fabulous! It’s a classic story with a modern twist—an absolute must-see for all ages.”

In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical rekindled my youthful spirit and left me wistful for the days of unbridled imagination. While the entire performance was entertaining, Act Two held a special place in my heart. My inner child reveled in the magic, and I departed with renewed inspiration to seek out more ways to stay forever young.

Catch Broadway in Chicago's Peter Pan is being performed March 26th through April 7^th at James M. Nederlander Theatre. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (with a Wednesday matinee at 1:00 p.m. on April 3rd), Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (with an additional performance on Sunday, March 31st at 6:30 p.m.).

The run time of the show is about two hours with a short 15-minute intermission. Make sure to arrive early as the line outside of the theatre is likely to be buzzing with anticipation.

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Classic, PETER PAN will go on sale on Friday, January 26. PETER PAN takes flight at Broadway In Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) for a limited two-week engagement, March 26 – April 7.

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill) with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play, What Would Crazy Horse Do?) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, The Who's Tommy).

"PETER PAN is one of the great treasures of the American Musical Theatre," said Lonny Price. "The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all."  

"I am thrilled to be part of bringing PETER PAN to life for a new generation," said Larissa FastHorse. "If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a PETER PAN that everyone can enjoy, without harm, for many years to come." 

The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including "I'm Flying", "I Gotta Crow", "I Won't Grow Up" and "Neverland." PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning - your entire family will be Hooked!  

Based on Sir James M. Barrie's classic tale and originally directed, choreographed, and adapted by Broadway legend Jerome Robbins, PETER PAN features an iconic and unforgettable score by Morris (Moose) Charlap; lyrics by Carolyn Leigh; additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Amanda Green; and additional music by Jule Styne. 

Nolan Almeida will play the iconic role of Peter Pan. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as Crutchie in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in Christmas on Repeat on Hulu. Joining him will be Cody Garcia as Captain Hook, who most recently starred as Willy Wonka in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as Buddy in Elf; Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara as Wendy; and acclaimed recording artist Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily.

Director Lonny Price is thrilled to introduce Nolan Almeida as the high-flying Peter Pan. "Nolan embodies all the beautiful contradictions of Peter. He's an extraordinarily gifted young actor, a wonderful singer and nothing short of magical. Cody Garcia as Captain Hook is utterly modern, surprising and one of the most engaging actors I've ever worked with."

"I also want to celebrate Hawa Kamara, making her professional debut as Wendy! A wildly charismatic young actress, who's as talented as she is beautiful. And rounding out this sensational group is Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily - brilliant multi-faceted recording artist and actress. This company is simply going to blow people away and I cannot wait for audiences across the country to fall in love with each of them."

The full cast is completed by Shefali Deshpande as Mrs. Darling, Kurt Perry as Smee, William Foon and Micah Turner Lee alternate as John, and Reed Epley and Jayden Guarneri alternate as Michael. The ensemble includes Charles Antenen, Jonah Barricklo, Eric Allen Boyd, Christina Hélène Braa, Brandon Gille, Ryan Perry Marks, Michael Marrero, Kenny Ramos, Hannah Schmidt, and Kiara Williams. The swings are Tony Collins, Bailey Frankenberg, Leo Gallegos, and Cheyenne Omani.

PETER PAN is directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa FastHorse, choreography by Lorin Latarro and flight choreography by Paul Rubin, with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn, and dance arrangements by David Dabbon. The national tour has scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Kai Harada, projections by David Bengali, hair & make-up design by J. Jared Janas, fight direction by Rick Sordelet & Christian Kelly-Sordelet, and "Tinker Bell" design by Paul Kieve. The Associate Director is Matt Cowart and the Associate Choreographer is Travis Waldschmidt, with casting by ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA and additional casting by Michael Donovan Casting. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International. The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.

The PETER PAN tour is conducted by Jonathan Marro. The stage management team is led by Ashlynn Abbott with Kendall Stevens. The company management team is led by Luke Meyer with Kyle Hess.

Please follow the flight at:  

peterpanontour.com 

Instagram: @PeterPantheMusical 

Facebook: @PeterPanTheBroadwayMusical 

TikTok: @PeterPantheMusical 

#peterpanmusical

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (with a Wednesday matinee at 1:00 p.m. on April 3), Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (with an additional performance on Sunday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m.)

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for PETER PAN will go on-sale to the public on Friday, January 26 and range from $35.00 - $105 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more  information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the  Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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Shattered Globe Theatre welcomes back one of Chicago’s own, Sarah Ruhl.  “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday” is a new play making its Midwestern debut at Theater Wit. Ms. Ruhl is one of the country’s foremost playwrights right now. She has another new play, “How to Transcend a Happy Marriage,” currently running at the Lincoln Center in New York. Her work is often produced in Chicago usually directed by her friend Jessica Thebus. This is an especially personal production for Ruhl as it stars her own mother (Kathleen Ruhl) in the title role. 

No, this is not another warmed over incantation of the JM Barrie fairy tale. While somewhat influenced by the source material, “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday” is a very realistic story of five siblings grappling with the death of their father. What begins in a depressing hospital room, moves to a whiskey-soaked conversation between siblings that eventually turns into a make-believe version of Peter Pan. 

At its core, this is a play about love. There are plenty of plays about dysfunctional families, and this isn’t one of them. What it boils down to are five adult children trying to pinpoint a time when they felt their father’s love. These siblings have differing political beliefs and Ruhl’s apt commentary about our current climate is especially sharp, without being polarizing. There’s a great deal of truth in the courtesy her characters show for one another’s opinions. She also spends a great deal of the play dissecting the role of Catholicism and whether or not there is an afterlife. Despite the volley of bittersweet and at times painful memories of their childhood, these characters love each other and that is felt in the dialogue and performances. 

Kathleen Ruhl is adorable as the oldest sister and former Peter Pan star, Ann. Perhaps it’s her relation to the playwright, or her commitment to character, but Kathleen Ruhl makes the audience question how much of this work is fiction and how much is fact? Eileen Niccolai, a Shattered Globe ensemble member, provides a lot of the humor, but also some of the more heartfelt moments as youngest sister Wendy. All the siblings are named for Peter Pan characters, which underscores Sarah Ruhl’s point that with their parents gone, they are orphans now and need to grow up. 

Like any Sarah Ruhl work, there is a great deal of whimsy. With each new work, Ruhl continues to keep one foot on the ground and one in the clouds. “For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday” is both prolific in its subject matter and also aesthetically striking it its presentation. The reality of the situation and the poignancy of the lines allows the audience to trust their narrator and fly when the time comes. 

Shattered Globe’s “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday is being performed at Theater Wit at 1229 W Belmont (773.975.8150) and has been extended through May 27th.