By Teresa Mills-Faraudo
With fairy dust streaming from his hands, Peter Pan soared through the window of the Darling children’s bedroom, and, at that moment, I wanted to be young again. Judging by reactions from adult audience members around me at the San Jose opening night of “Peter Pan,” they felt the same, and for young viewers, the feeling appeared to be utter joy.
Based on Sir James M. Barrie’s classic tale, which later became a Broadway musical in 1954, this has always been the go-to story for prompting thoughts of youth, joy and freedom. That same magic was present throughout this national tour production, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price, but it was clearly tailored for a more modern audience with its special effects and new songs.
The high-flying choreography by Paul Rubin was like a character in this show. Actors flew, danced, ran, walked and tumbled above the stage. As the Darling children and Pan soared through the sky to Neverland, the added special effects made those watching feel as though they were flying with them.
Stand-in Jonah Barricklo as Peter Pan showed the energy necessary to play this physically demanding role and was believable as the boy who never grows old. A favorite scene for me was his interaction with the audience during Tinker Bell’s near-death. He had kids and adults clapping and yelling their belief in fairies so Tinker Bell wouldn’t die.
A High-Flying Cast
Cody Garcia as Peter Pan’s nemesis Captain Hook brings comedy to much of the show with his portrayal of this egocentric character. Not new to the stage, past roles include Wonka in “Charlie and Chocolate Factory” and Buddy in “Elf.”
The vocals of Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily in the new song “Friends Forever” (lyrics by Amanda Green) brought much life to this scene along with the choreography by Lorin Latarro. Newcomer Hawa Kamara’s charming portrayal of Wendy makes me think this isn’t the last we will see of this talented actress.
The performance schedule continues June 26 at 7pm, June 27 at 7pm, June 29 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and June 30 at 1pm and 6:30pm at the Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose. Tickets start at $39. For more information or tickets go to: broadwaysanjose.com.
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.