Never say never, especially in Neverland — a place where the impossible is possible if you just believe. That is the premise of Peter Pan: Wendy’s Adventure to Neverland, which runs through March 27 at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
It’s a new spin on the classic tale of Peter Pan that pushes Wendy’s character into the spotlight with a unique play-within-a-play format. Kids will enjoy the antics of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and other new characters while being posed the question, “what does it mean to believe?”
Like all NCT productions, the lighting and colorful sets are enough to hold your little one’s attention for its hour-and-fifteen-minute run time. All of the actors are contagiously animated and energetic in their deliveries, bringing both humor and wit.
In its 90th anniversary season, the theater’s props and puppetry — portrayed mostly by Sarah Jackson-Zanotti — elevate the show to another level, illustrating everything from a life-sized wolf, to a giant crocodile, to Peter and Wendy flying through the skies.
Piper Jones as the “Never Bird” in ‘Peter Pan: Wendy’s Adventure to Neverland’ at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
The songs were all catchy enough to sing on the drive home, some featuring impressive and complex vocal harmonies. Standout performances include Piper Jones, who shined in the ensemble before bringing the house down with a solo song as the “Never Bird” later in the show.
Other than the theater’s consistent originality, my favorite thing about going to shows at Nashville Children’s Theatre as a parent is looking around at all the kids during the show. Looking around and seeing every kid’s unblinking face, utterly fixated on what’s happening in front of them is worth the price of admission and then some. It’s always beautiful to see (there’s some interactiveness towards the end, and all the kids at my showing were super into it!).
Performances are Saturdays and Sundays through March 27, 2022. Tickets are $23 for adults, $17 for kids and can be purchased here or at the box office at 25 Middleton Street in downtown Nashville.
MORE PHOTOS
The cast of ‘Peter Pan: Wendy’s Adventure to Neverland’ at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
Amanda Rodriguez as “Wendy” and Gerold Oliver as “Peter Pan” in ‘Peter Pan: Wendy’s Adventure to Neverland’ at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
Megan Murphy-Chambers as “Captain Hook.” Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva as “Smee.” in ‘Peter Pan: Wendy’s Adventure to Neverland’ at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
The cast of ‘Peter Pan: Wendy’s Adventure to Neverland’ at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
