The musical version of "Peter Pan," based on the book by James M. Barrie and featuring music by Mlark Charlap and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, is familiar to many of us for the classic version produced on TV starring Mary Martin, and its more recent incarnations on stages across the country with Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby. OTP's exuberant production which runs through Dec. 8, has lot to crow about, most notably a very solid cast, plenty of surprises, and, of course, a Peter Pan who flies, whisking the audience along to Neverland.
Director Mike Nunn has made some interesting choices in moving the tale from Victorian time into the "not very distant future' and putting a more politically correct spin, if you will, on the piece by turning the Indians into "indiginies." For the most part, the changes work, though it seemed to take Friday night's opening audience a bit of time to get used to the revised version. The triumph in this production is that it quickly overcomes our traditional concepts of the material and makes us believe in all the magical spells that the story weaves.
Heading the cast is young Leigh Scheffler in the title role. Scheffler is an expressive singer and extraordinarily talented dancer whose grace and strength seem almost effortless. However, her version of Peter is a bit too serious, without the trademark energy and goofy irresponsibility that convince us he will never grow up. Still, her musical numbers quite often carry the show.
Her nemesis comes in the form of Phil Callighan as Captain Hook (and father John Darling), who manages to steal every scene he is in with his cohort Smee, played to perfection by Melissa O'Keefe MacLennan. Backed by a band of pirates, played by Amanda Baltrip, Jessica Cerutti, Chris Horvath, Brad Lewis and David Oulette, they make the most of songs like "A Princely Scheme," "Pirate Song," and "Hook's Waltz."
Hook and his pirates are given a run for the money by Amy Bauman as Tiger Lily and her troupe of indiginies, who carry off some serious dancing, especially in the stand-out "Ugg-a-wugg." This number also features the Lost Boys, another group of primarily young actors whose charm is considerable, particularly Ashley Frost and Anderson Nunnelly. Adding to the chaotic fun in "Neverland" were the Crocodile (Laura DePonio), and cohorts Lion (Joani Campbell), Kangaroo (Hedges MacDonald), and Ostrich (Kathy Kocevar).
Fine performances also come from Shelby Lewis, Madison Ford and Jessica Elliot as Wendy, Michael & John Darling. Their rendition of "I'm flying" was yet another of the play's numerous highlights, as was "Wendy" with Peter and the Lost Boys. Joani Campbell as Mrs. Darling, De Ponio as the attentive family dog, Nana and Jennifer Cronin as maid Liza rounded out the members of the household.
The show's technical challenges are considerable, and kudos go to Nunn, who also doubled as set designer, and his team for finding so many creative ways to conquer them. Of special note are the contributions of Musical Director Sam Clark and her fine players (including percussion soloist Roland Woodring), choreographer Tamara Hunting, costume designer Donna Hood, crocodile designer Kate Fiebing and the small army who helped execute the flying apparatus.
Performance dates for "Peter Pan" are Nov. 23-24 and 29-30 and Dec. 1, 5 and 8 with showtimes at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are slated for 3 p.m. on Nov. 25 and Dec. 2. There - is an additional early evening performance on Sunday, Dec. 2. at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $18; student and senior rate tickets are available at $16 for Thursday performances only; tickets for children age 12 and younger are $12 for Thursday and Sunday shows.
Box office hours from that point on are 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and two hours prior to showtimes on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, contact OTP at 9472210 or the box office at 947-2443.