NETworks Presentations
— presents —
Peter Pan
A Musical Based on the Play by Sir J.M. Barrie
Through Sunday, Jan. 12
Jackson Theatre at TPAC
TICKETS
“All children, except one, grow up.” — J.M. Barrie
It was super fun at the opening performance of Peter Pan to hear kids laughing from their seats. After all, Peter Pan pokes a lot of fun at the ridiculousness of adult stress. As directed by Lonnie Price, this production zips along at a rapid clip and honors the child within us all. And because, in 2025, we adults continue to wring our hands over our device-obsessed kids, it’s really refreshing to hear unplugged giggling at a live show.
Peter Pan Steals the Day
For reasons unclear, this production is set in modern times. So instead of the nursemaid sheep dog Nana, for instance, there’s a hardly there, phone-obsessed babysitter. Also, Wendy Darling (a poised Hawa Kamara), is quite mature (she’s a college grad, according to the program) and her character lets us know she intends to be a surgeon. Thankfully, before we get too off track with the murky details, Peter (Nolan Almeida) sails into the nursery. Almeida brings the boy-who-won’t-grow-up tale to vibrant life. He’s a terrific Pan with strapping physicality, attractive vocals and a childish heart that beats beautifully.
Stunning Sets
And the sets are stunning. In fact, when Peter, Tinkerbell and the Darling children fly away together, the level of spectacle and stage magic compares to that of a Disney show. Lush greenery makes Neverland a verdant haven for the mischievous Lost Boys. Neverland is also a triumvirate of Peter, Tiger Lily (an impossibly energetic Bailey Frankenberg) and the menacing-but-silly Captain Hook (Cody Garcia, who also plays Mr. Darling). Garcia makes a wholly ridiculous pirate, head of a gaggle of blustering buffoons. And the Neverland power grab that ensues is filled with singing, dancing and sword fighting galore all while the terrific orchestra bounces with vibrancy. But then, all at once, the Darling children become homesick.
Why We Need Pan
You probably know the story all too well, but your kids may not. You may remember the astonishing music or hold the distant memory of Mary Martin flying into your black-and-white living room TV. But then you grew up. So when Peter returns to the nursery to bring Wendy back to Neverland (only to discover, dismayed, that she’s an adult), you just may get a tear in your eye. Because you never can go back. Childhood is a precious and fleeting portion for us all. That’s why when our kids are young, childhood should be celebrated. And hence, the reason why you take your kids to Peter Pan.
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PHOTOS
Peter Pan (Nolan Almeida) and Tinkerbell fly into the Darling household’s nursery.
Peter Pan (Nolan Almeida) gets into a tussle with Captain Hook (Cody Garcia) and his pirates.
Peter Plan (Nolan Almeida) teaches the Darling children how to fly.
The Lost Boys make a powerful impression on John and Michael.
