Broadway At The Paramount PETER PAN August 21 - August 25, 2024 Review
PETER PAN
A Musical Based on the Play by Sir J.M. Barrie
Originally Directed, Choreographed, and Adapted by Jerome Robbins
Additional Book by Larissa Fasthorse
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh with additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Amanda Green
Music by Morris (Moos) Charlap with additional music by Jule Styne
Directed by: Lonny Price
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Wednesday August 21, 2024
The 2024/2025 Broadway At The Paramount season kicked off last night with the touring production of, “Peter Pan”. Depending on what your thoughts are on the well known character and his world, this will most likely dictate your enjoyment of the current show.
I went into the show expecting pretty much what I got which was a show geared towards families and children, reaching out to the child in all of us so to speak. For a show in August in Seattle, this was the right type of show to kick things off.
The story has been updated to make things more of the time by Larissa Fasthorse. She has given strength and resolve to the female characters and removed the stereotypes and downright bad characterizations of the native people in the original material. This was definitely the right direction to go in.
But, the overall story of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Wendy, and the rest of the characters isn’t too far from what you already know. And this was a good thing in my book.
Notable standouts from the cast most certainly included Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan. He captured the right amount of “boy who doesn’t want to grow up” mixed with the confidence of a veteran theatre performer. His wirework was seamless and he commanded the stage any time he was on it. Captain Hook played by Cody Garcia was also spot on with his interpretation of the classic villain. He was damn near a live action cartoon version which really worked with the tone of the overall production. His comedic timing was perfect all the while reminding everyone that he shouldn’t be messed with.
The songs throughout the production left a lot to be desired. None of them were memorable but they were performed well by the cast and ensemble. One voice that really stood out was Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily. I wish she would have had a solo number to really showcase her vocal prowess.
The stage design was visually pleasing as the story was told. The technical effects were a great deal of fun. Of course the flying portion is what people want to see and the wirework wowed much of the audience. Peter’s entrance basically tells you what you’re in store for early on in the first act.
The use of video screens really enhanced the flying scenes and was a creative way to immerse the audience into the journey.
The production is long for what it is. I think it could have been trimmed down a good 15 to 20 minutes to make for a more impactful show and to retain the young fans attention spans. The storyline would not suffer with a few edits.
Overall, was I entertained? Yes, I was. I think children and families will enjoy the production. Those patrons seeking a life altering show will not find it here. But, those who enjoy a good summer popcorn film at the movies will find something similar here with this show. It’s entertaining, light in tone, and well executed.
“Peter Pan” runs through Sunday August 25th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
A Musical Based on the Play by Sir J.M. Barrie
Originally Directed, Choreographed, and Adapted by Jerome Robbins
Additional Book by Larissa Fasthorse
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh with additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Amanda Green
Music by Morris (Moos) Charlap with additional music by Jule Styne
Directed by: Lonny Price
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Wednesday August 21, 2024
("I’m Flying.” (from L) Micah Turner Lee as John, Reed Epley as Michael, Hawa Kamara as Wendy, Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan. Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
The 2024/2025 Broadway At The Paramount season kicked off last night with the touring production of, “Peter Pan”. Depending on what your thoughts are on the well known character and his world, this will most likely dictate your enjoyment of the current show.
I went into the show expecting pretty much what I got which was a show geared towards families and children, reaching out to the child in all of us so to speak. For a show in August in Seattle, this was the right type of show to kick things off.
The story has been updated to make things more of the time by Larissa Fasthorse. She has given strength and resolve to the female characters and removed the stereotypes and downright bad characterizations of the native people in the original material. This was definitely the right direction to go in.
But, the overall story of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Wendy, and the rest of the characters isn’t too far from what you already know. And this was a good thing in my book.
((from L) Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan, Cody Garcia as Captain Hook, Hawa Kamara as Wendy and the cast of PeterPan. Photo:Matthew Murphy.)
Notable standouts from the cast most certainly included Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan. He captured the right amount of “boy who doesn’t want to grow up” mixed with the confidence of a veteran theatre performer. His wirework was seamless and he commanded the stage any time he was on it. Captain Hook played by Cody Garcia was also spot on with his interpretation of the classic villain. He was damn near a live action cartoon version which really worked with the tone of the overall production. His comedic timing was perfect all the while reminding everyone that he shouldn’t be messed with.
The songs throughout the production left a lot to be desired. None of them were memorable but they were performed well by the cast and ensemble. One voice that really stood out was Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily. I wish she would have had a solo number to really showcase her vocal prowess.
The stage design was visually pleasing as the story was told. The technical effects were a great deal of fun. Of course the flying portion is what people want to see and the wirework wowed much of the audience. Peter’s entrance basically tells you what you’re in store for early on in the first act.
The use of video screens really enhanced the flying scenes and was a creative way to immerse the audience into the journey.
(“I Won’t Grow Up!” Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan (center) and the cast of Peter Pan. Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
The production is long for what it is. I think it could have been trimmed down a good 15 to 20 minutes to make for a more impactful show and to retain the young fans attention spans. The storyline would not suffer with a few edits.
Overall, was I entertained? Yes, I was. I think children and families will enjoy the production. Those patrons seeking a life altering show will not find it here. But, those who enjoy a good summer popcorn film at the movies will find something similar here with this show. It’s entertaining, light in tone, and well executed.
“Peter Pan” runs through Sunday August 25th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
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