Berkshire on Stage

A new revision of Peter Pan, touring the country, flew into The Bushnell in Hartford this week. Based on the 1954 musical, this version has an updated (and more politically-correct) script by Native American playwright Loretta FastHorse, whose recent The Thanksgiving Play, has been a hit on Broadway and in regional theatres. Lonny Price, the Broadway actor (Charley in the original production of Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along) who turned director, gives the musical an update. The characters of Tiger Lily and Wendy are more prominent. . Amanda Green, daughter of late lyricist Adolph Green, fixed some of the lyrics. Of note: the show is now multi-racial cast, and Peter is played by a male, Jonah Barrricklo at this performance.

The original Peter Pan musical, based on the book by James Barrie, was first presented in 1954 starring Mary Martin as Peter and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook. They both won Tony Awards. Jerome Robbins, choreographer and director, staged the original, before moving on to West Side Story. The show was one of the first Broadway musicals brought to television, Future Broadway revivals starred Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby. (SCTC produced a TV skit with John Candy playing Divine playing Peter Pan, as envisioned by John Waters and Andy Warhol. . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knlJOHnr11A)

Despite the updates, Peter Pan feels like a 1950’s musical from the Golden Age of Broadway. And, when Lorin Lotarro’s choreography comes into play, the show moves with an exuberant pace. The number, “I’m Flying”, where Peter and the Darling children take to sky, is pure exuberance, high flying sequences by Paul Rubin against Anna Louizos’ ingenious sets, and David Bengali’s projections. Lonny Price’s direction is solid, but with a two and an half hour run time, Peter Pan might be a bit much for the younger kids. 

Jonah Barrricklo was a soaring Peter Pan, and the performances overall are excellent, especially Cody Garcia as Captain Hook,.Hawa Kamara as Wendy, and Bailey Frankenberg as Tiger Lily.  

Peter Pan blends some of the endearing qualities that made the original production a hit, and the updates, and use of projections give the musical a fresh look. Peter Pan runs at the Bushnell through February 9. For details: www.bushnell.org.

The Bushnell presents Peter Pan. A Musical based on the book by Sir James M. Barrie. Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. Music by Morris Moose Charlap. Additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Amanda Green. Additional music by Jule Styne. Originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Additional book by Larissa Fasthorse. Flying sequences choreographed by Paul Rubin. Choreography by Lorin Lotarro. Directed by Lonny Price. Scenic design by Anna Louizos. Costume design by Sarafina Bush. Lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker.. Sound design by Kai Harada.. Through February 9, at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. For details: www.bushnell.org. 

Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and The Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide, and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat, Survivor Stories, and On The Mark for WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s a regular contributor to Berkshire Onstage and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.