 |
| Peter (Corrie Farbstein, left) tells Wendy (Brittney Mignano) about Neverland. (Photo by Joyce Goldschmid) |
In J.M. Barrie’s play, turned into a musical by
lyricist Carolyn Leigh and composer Morris Charlap, Peter (Corrie Farbstein) lives
in Neverland. He and his effervescent fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the
Darling children in London to retrieve his shadow.
He convinces the oldest, Wendy (Brittney Mignano),
to fly with him to Neverland. They’re joined by her brothers, John (Amay Goel)
and Michael (Billy Hutton). They really do fly. (Flying effects are by ZFX
Inc.)
In Neverland they meet the Lost Boys and experience
hair-raising adventures, most of them initiated by Peter’s nemesis, Captain
Hook (John Bisceglie), and his band of pirates. Also playing a prominent role
are the Warriors, led by Tiger Lily (Catrina Contini).
Directed and choreographed by Janie Scott, the show
is full of wonders and imagination. For example, Neverland, not the usual
tropical island, is what PAP artistic director Patrick Klein and set designer
calls “an alternative, Neo-Victorian world of spare parts and steam-powered
ingenuity.”
The show also is filled with fine performances, led
by Farbstein as Peter, who sings, dances and acts well. Also notable is the diminutive Mignano, an
adult who’s convincing as Wendy.
Scott’s choreography also is imaginative, especially
in “Ugh-A-Wugg,” performed by Peter, the Darlings, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily
and the Warriors.
There’s much for kids to like, especially Nana
(Eddie Standifer III), the Darling children’s nurse; and the crocodile that
swallowed an alarm clock.
Music director is Lauren Bevilacqua, but the
orchestral accompaniment is recorded.
Costumes are by April Bonasera with
lighting by Carolyn A. Foot.
Incidentally, Farbstein is the sister of Amanda
Farbstein, who has the female lead in Broadway By the Bay’s “Singin’ in the
Rain.” Their parents, Michael and Candy, were BBB mainstays for many years.
Running about two and a half hours with an intermission,
“Peter Pan” will continue through Nov. 19 at Lucie Stern Theater, 1305
Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For tickets and information, call (650) 329-0891
or visit www.paplayers.org.
